Lithium–sulfur
(Li–S) batteries have attracted great
attention in the past two decades, because of their high theoretical
energy density of 2600 Wh kg–1 and the cost-effective
sulfur cathode. However, it is still far from commercialization, unlike
that of lithium-ion batteries. Although numerous research has been
presented on the sulfur cathode, lithium metal anode, separator modification,
intercalated layer within the cell configuration, electrolyte design,
the problematic issues of the polysulfide shuttling effect cannot
be solved effectively. In this Review, we summarize that most challenges
in the Li–S battery have involved the electrolyte. The development
of Li–S battery electrolytes was discussed from the components
of salt, solvent, additives, then the current idea of electrolyte
designs including the solid electrolytes was also summarized. This
Review aims to give a comprehensive and depth viewpoint on the development,
prospect, and challenges of Li–S battery electrolytes.