Hybrid Electrolytes for Li–S Batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries are known for their higher energy density, high specific capacity, low cost, and eco-friendly characteristics to the common lithium-ion batteries. However, the poor electrode–electrolyte interfacial interaction, polysulfide shuttling, volume expansion, and nonconductivity nature of sulfur are the bottlenecks hampering its commercialization. This is a result of the low ionic conductivity of electrolytes, and the dissolution of soluble polysulfides in most electrolytes because battery performance (such as specific capacity, rate capability, and cycle stability) is highly dependent on the chemistry of an electrode and electrolyte. Therefore, Li–S batteries need an electrolyte that’s modified and or optimized to enhance the electrode–electrolyte interface interaction, increase ionic conductivity, and reduce polysulfide dissolution and shuffling so that improved electrochemical performance of the battery. Among the many alternatives, hybrid electrolytes are the potential electrolytes for an appreciable electrochemical performance of batteries with low polysulfide dissolution. Therefore, the contents to be included in this chapter will be the interaction mechanism of electrolytes with electrodes, organic/inorganic-based hybrid electrolytes, polymer-based hybrid electrolytes, and their respective property, advantages, and limitations in Li–S batteries.