Lithium–sulfur batteries are considered a possible next-generation energy-storage solution, but their commercial viability is still in question because of several technical challenges, including the use of a highly reactive lithium anode. Using Li₂S as the cathode to couple with Li-free anodes presents a feasible approach to circumvent the safety issue of lithium. Unfortunately, Li₂S is largely electrochemically inert and needs a high activation potential during the initial oxidation. Here, we provide an overview of recent progress on electrochemically activating Li₂S as a lithium-containing cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries. We first discuss the origin of its large charging overpotential and current understanding of its activation process. This is then followed by an up-to-date account of different strategies to activate Li₂S and promote its electrochemical performance by engineering the electrode material, the cathode catalyst, or the electrolyte. Finally, a short perspective is offered about the possible future directions of this exciting field.

中文翻译：

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活化锂₂ S作为锂硫电池中的含锂阴极

锂硫电池被认为是可能的下一代储能解决方案，但由于包括高反应性锂阳极在内的若干技术挑战，其商业可行性仍然受到质疑。使用Li ₂ S作为阴极与无锂阳极耦合提供了一种可行的方法来规避锂的安全性问题。不幸的是，Li ₂ S在很大程度上是电化学惰性的，并且在初始氧化过程中需要很高的活化电位。在此，我们概述了电化学活化Li ₂的最新进展。S作为锂硫电池的含锂阴极。我们首先讨论其巨大充电超电势的起源以及当前对其激活过程的了解。然后，紧接着对通过激活电极材料，阴极催化剂或电解质来活化Li ₂ S并提高Li2 S电化学性能的不同策略进行了最新描述。最后，简要介绍了这个令人兴奋的领域的未来发展方向。