Photoassisted Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Insights from Regulation Mechanisms to Design Strategies

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have garnered significant attention owing to high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg –1 ). Their commercialization is otherwise impeded by sluggish redox kinetics and shuttle effect stemming from the generation of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Extensive studies have indicated the introduction of light energy into Li–S systems effectively enhances the reaction kinetics of the sulfur reduction/evolution reaction while simultaneously suppressing the LiPS shuttling. Nevertheless, the realization of high‐performance photoassisted Li–S batteries remains challenging, primarily because of the insufficient utilization efficiency of photoinduced carriers in redox reactions. Collectively, the field lacks a comprehensive overview elucidating the mechanisms of charge carrier separation and the photoelectrochemistry of LiPS conversion. In this review, recent advances in the design of battery configurations, photoelectrodes, and catalysts for photoassisted Li–S batteries are summarized, providing an in‐depth discussion on the photoelectrochemical processes. The prevailing challenges and future prospects toward the practical viability of photoassisted Li–S batteries are also highlighted.