Recent advances in metal nitrides as highly-efficient electrocatalysts for lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have gained significant success as next-generation energy sources, but the slow conversion speed of polysulfides and resultant notorious shuttle effect still limit its practical utilization. Metal nitrides (MNs) with high chemical affinity and remarkable catalytic activity have been verified as highly-efficient electrocatalysts in addressing these remaining challenges. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review that clarifying the detailed working principles of MNs in Li-S batteries. This study first summarizes the recent advances in the utilization of MNs for Li-S batteries, especially in sulfur hosts, separator coating layers, and interlayers. Typical MNs in each category were then introduced, by analyzing their material designs, catalytic effects, and modulation strategies. Important perspectives on the future developments of MN-based electrocatalysts and Li-S batteries are given, possible challenges and potential research directions are outlined. This work supplies precious insights into the use of MNs and their key roles in promoting the conversions of sulfur species.