Sustainability of lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are among the most promising energy-storage systems because of their high theoretical energy density. In recent years, efforts have been made to develop high-performance LSBs to promote practical applications. However, LSB sustainability cannot be neglected in the development of new materials and technologies. This chapter discusses LSB sustainability in terms of cost-effectiveness, safety, and environmental impacts, which are essential aspects to consider for future mass production and commercialization. Next, recently developed strategies for cheaper, safer, and greener LSBs are summarized. These primarily include sustainable raw materials, methods to reduce electrolyte use and excess lithium, and electrode preparation techniques suitable for sustainable scale-up.