Nitrogen-Doped Carbons in Li–S Batteries: Materials Design and Electrochemical Mechanism

*Correspondence: Xueliang Sun, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Western Ontario, Spencer Engineering Building, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada e-mail: [email protected] Li–S batteries have been considered as next generation Li batteries because of their hightheoretical energy density. Over the past few years, researchers have made significant efforts in breaking through critical bottlenecks, which impede the commercialization of Li–S batteries. Beginning with a basic introduction to Li–S systems and their associated mechanism, this review will highlight the application of one specific carbon family, nitrogen-doped carbon materials in sulfur-based cathodes. These materials will include nitrogen-doped porous carbon, carbon nanotubes, nanofibers, and graphene.The article will conclude with a summary of recent research efforts in this field as well as the future prospects for the use of nitrogen-doped carbon materials in Li–S batteries.