Metal–chalcogen batteries (MCBs) are promising alternatives to the commonly used lithium-ion batteries, because they can provide remarkable capacities while using cheaper and more versatile electrodes. Nevertheless, the rational design and controllable synthesis of electrode materials is still a great challenge. The essential functions of MCB electrodes include: (1) electrical conduction, (2) cathode species encapsulation, (3) intermediate species immobilization, (4) cathode redox reaction acceleration and (5) anode species stabilization. Design of nanoreactors for MCBs has been proven as a highly feasible strategy for integrating some or all of these features into an individual electrode material, to be used in these batteries. In this review, the concept and features of nanoreactors are firstly introduced. Afterwards, we present the major synthetic strategies for constructing nanoreactors with different morphologies and dimensions. Next, we present the main functions of MCBs and how they can be imparted upon the electrode nanostructures via nanoreactor design and engineering. The follow-up section reviews examples of typical nanoreactors for applications in MCBs. Finally, the perspectives and future directions are discussed in this exciting field of research.

中文翻译：

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用于金属-硫属元素电池的工程纳米反应器

金属硫属元素电池（MCB）是常用锂离子电池的有前途的替代品，因为它们可以提供出色的容量，同时使用更便宜，用途更广泛的电极。然而，电极材料的合理设计和可控合成仍然是一个巨大的挑战。MCB电极的基本功能包括：（1）导电，（2）阴极物种封装，（3）固定中间物种，（4）阴极氧化还原反应加速和（5）阳极物种稳定。用于MCB的纳米反应器的设计已被证明是将这些特征中的一些或全部集成到单个电极材料中以用于这些电池的高度可行的策略。在这篇综述中，首先介绍了纳米反应器的概念和特征。之后，我们介绍了构建具有不同形态和尺寸的纳米反应器的主要合成策略。接下来，我们介绍MCB的主要功能以及如何将它们赋予电极纳米结构通过纳米反应器的设计和工程。后续部分回顾了用于MCB中的典型纳米反应器的示例。最后，在这个激动人心的研究领域中讨论了观点和未来方向。