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<p>Among the emerging energy storage technologies, lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are considered one of the most promising candidates for post–lithium-ion systems due to their exceptionally high theoretical energy density and the natural abundance of sulfur. However, their practical deployment is impeded by rapid capacity fading and safety concerns, primarily arising from the intrinsic low conductivity of S<sub>8</sub> and Li<sub>2</sub>S, the severe shuttle effect of soluble polysulfides (LiPSs), and sluggish redox kinetics. Recent studies have demonstrated that catalytic strategies offer an effective route to overcome these challenges by enhancing interfacial reaction dynamics. In particular, metal-based quantum dots (QDs) with ultrasmall particle sizes (&lt; 10&#xa0;nm) exhibit unique colloidal characteristics, including a large accessible surface area, abundant active sites, and strong polarity. These features enable efficient adsorption and catalytic conversion of polysulfides, thereby suppressing the shuttle effect and accelerating sluggish redox processes. Beyond the cathode side, QDs also play a crucial role in stabilizing the lithium metal anode by regulating Li<sup>+</sup> flux, homogenizing deposition, and suppressing dendrite growth through strong interfacial interactions and lithiophilic sites. This dual functionality at both electrodes significantly improves overall cell stability and safety. This review focuses on the interfacial roles of QDs in Li–S batteries, with emphasis on polysulfide adsorption mechanisms, phase transition catalysis, and the regulation of lithium deposition at both the cathode–electrolyte and anode–electrolyte interfaces. Furthermore, we summarize design strategies for QD-based catalysts, including defect engineering, morphology modulation, and controlled synthesis, while discussing their implications for interfacial stability and electrochemical performance. Finally, the key challenges and future research directions for integrating QDs into practical Li–S battery systems are highlighted, aiming to inspire the development of advanced colloidal nanocatalysts for next-generation energy storage.</p>

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Review: Metal-based quantum dots as functional interlayers in lithium–sulfur batteries: interfacial catalysis and stability regulation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月2日

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  • Qiuping Zhang,
  • Wenyin Zhang,
  • Lina Xiao,
  • Hao Zhang,
  • Chunhong Han,
  • Mengyuan Ran,
  • Zhuosen Wang

摘要

Among the emerging energy storage technologies, lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are considered one of the most promising candidates for post–lithium-ion systems due to their exceptionally high theoretical energy density and the natural abundance of sulfur. However, their practical deployment is impeded by rapid capacity fading and safety concerns, primarily arising from the intrinsic low conductivity of S8 and Li2S, the severe shuttle effect of soluble polysulfides (LiPSs), and sluggish redox kinetics. Recent studies have demonstrated that catalytic strategies offer an effective route to overcome these challenges by enhancing interfacial reaction dynamics. In particular, metal-based quantum dots (QDs) with ultrasmall particle sizes (< 10 nm) exhibit unique colloidal characteristics, including a large accessible surface area, abundant active sites, and strong polarity. These features enable efficient adsorption and catalytic conversion of polysulfides, thereby suppressing the shuttle effect and accelerating sluggish redox processes. Beyond the cathode side, QDs also play a crucial role in stabilizing the lithium metal anode by regulating Li+ flux, homogenizing deposition, and suppressing dendrite growth through strong interfacial interactions and lithiophilic sites. This dual functionality at both electrodes significantly improves overall cell stability and safety. This review focuses on the interfacial roles of QDs in Li–S batteries, with emphasis on polysulfide adsorption mechanisms, phase transition catalysis, and the regulation of lithium deposition at both the cathode–electrolyte and anode–electrolyte interfaces. Furthermore, we summarize design strategies for QD-based catalysts, including defect engineering, morphology modulation, and controlled synthesis, while discussing their implications for interfacial stability and electrochemical performance. Finally, the key challenges and future research directions for integrating QDs into practical Li–S battery systems are highlighted, aiming to inspire the development of advanced colloidal nanocatalysts for next-generation energy storage.