Sulfur cathodes for next-generation batteries

Alessandra Manzini (), Irina Martynova, Jing Yu, Xiaoyu Bi, Jordi Jacas Biendicho, Jordi Arbiol, Qing Sun (), Chaoqi Zhang () and Andreu Cabot ()
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Alessandra Manzini: CY - CY Cergy Paris Université

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Abstract: The global transition toward efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective energy storage is accelerating, driven by efforts to decarbonize key sectors. Among emerging technologies, sulfur-based conversion cathodes have garnered significant attention as promising candidates for next-generation batteries due to their exceptional theoretical energy density, low cost, and material abundance. Their successful deployment could advance critical applications, including electric mobility, renewable energy integration, and grid stabilization. Despite this potential, sulfur cathodes face persistent limitations that have prevented commercialization. Unlike reviews focusing primarily on materials innovations in idealized settings, this work provides a critical, user-focused assessment that prioritizes challenges of scalable manufacturing and operation under practical conditions. We analyze fundamental failure mechanisms under realistic parameters, including high sulfur loading, lean electrolyte, and limited lithium anode excess, that cause performance to diverge dramatically from target metrics. By synthesizing recent advancements in mechanistic understanding, host design, and interface engineering, we identify key bottlenecks hindering large-scale production. The review concludes with strategic pathways spanning materials design, device architecture, and market integration to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world application.The global push toward electrification and substantial greenhouse gas emission reductions is intensifying the need for sustainable technological solutions across the automotive sector and other energy-intensive industries. In this context, energy storage plays a pivotal role, serving as a critical enabler for low-carbon transportation, renewable energy integration, and grid resilience. The rapidly increasing demand for high-performance, scalable, and environmentally sustainable energy storage systems underscores the urgency of selecting appropriate battery technologies. This requires careful consideration of battery chemistries that can satisfy both short-term performance targets and long-term resource, cost, and sustainability constraints.At present, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) dominate the energy storage market, with cell costs averaging approximately €110/kWh 1-3 . However, the pricing of LIBs remains highly sensitive to fluctuations in the cost of critical raw materials such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium, which have experienced significant volatility, reaching a peak in 2022 followed by a notable decline in 2024 4 . While recent reductions in raw material prices have temporarily eased cost pressures, this downward trend is not expected to be sustainable.Upstream supply chains are facing increasing strain, and projections indicate that future mineral demand will substantially exceed historical levels 5 . Achieving global decarbonization targets will require a sharp rise in the production of key metals such as cobalt, copper, tin, and zinc. However, expanding supply is hindered by long project lead times, declining ore grades, and increasing geopolitical and environmental constraints 5 . Establishing a stable and equitable pricing environment that ensures upstream viability while maintaining downstream affordability is therefore essential to support the continued growth and sustainability of LIB technologies. At the same time, these structural limitations highlight the urgent need to diversify battery chemistries by exploring alternative systems based on more earthabundant, geopolitically secure, and cost-effective materials to enhance the long-term resilience and scalability of energy storage infrastructure.Battery manufacturers and end users must remain agile in adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, supply chain limitations, and shifting market dynamics 1 . Battery cost continues to be a critical determinant of the competitiveness and scalability of energy storage systems. Affordable electric vehicles (EVs) offering long range, rapid charging, and robust safety, along

Keywords: Batteries; Next generation; Technology; Sulfur cathodes; Critical Raw Materials CRM (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-04-10
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Published in Communications Materials, 2026, 7 (1), pp.108. ⟨10.1038/s43246-026-01133-w⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05618205

DOI: 10.1038/s43246-026-01133-w

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