Overview of Highly Solvating Electrolytes for Lean Electrolyte Conditions in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract Lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries are considered the next generation of lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density, but they face challenges in operation under lean electrolyte conditions. Among the potential strategies, highly solvating electrolytes (HSEs) have become a prominent option. These electrolytes offer strong solvation of polysulfide intermediates, leading to modified sulfur reaction pathways and deposition morphologies compared to conventional electrolytes. This review presents a comprehensive summary of HSEs in Li–S batteries, with a focus on their development and optimization for broad applications.