Layered double hydroxides and their derivatives for lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are recognized as one of the most promising candidates for lithium-metal batteries due to the high theoretical specific capacity of both the Li metal anode (3860 mA h g −1 ) and S cathode (1675 mA h g −1 ), as well as the low cost of S. Unfortunately, the actual applications of Li-S batteries are severely limited by the capacity decay, poor coulombic efficiency and short cycle life. Recently, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have drawn great attention in Li-S batteries due to their unique 2D confined structure and catalysis properties. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in LDHs and their derivatives for Li-S batteries, including the direct use of LDHs in S cathodes, separators, and Li-metal anodes, as well as the application of LDH derivatives in Li-S batteries (such as metal sulfides, nitrides, phosphides and porous carbons). Moreover, we also review the existing challenges and potential research on the applications of LDHs in Li-S batteries. LDHs have drawn great attention in Li-S batteries due to their various morphologies and topological transformation characteristics. We highlight recent advances of LDHs used in Li-S batteries and review its challenges in this area.