Growing environmental concerns and rapid depletion of fossil fuels have prompted the development of alternative clean energy technologies. In this regard, renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energies, have become appealing. However, efficient and economical storage of electricity produced from solar and wind is critical as they are intermittent in order for them to be successful. Rechargeable batteries are the most viable option for the storage of electricity produced from renewable sources. Rechargeable batteries are also needed for the electrification of the transportation sector. Cost, cycle life, safety, energy power, and environmental impact are some of the criteria in choosing the appropriate battery chemistry for various applications. Although lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized portable electronics, their energy density is limited by the charge-storage capacity of insertion-compound electrodes. In this regard, sulfur has become an attractive choice for cathode as it exhibits an order of magnitude higher capacity (1,672 mAh/g) than the conventional lithium-ion battery cathodes. Sulfur is also abundant and environmentally benign.
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