Biomass-derived nanostructured porous carbons for lithium-sulfur batteries

Biomass has been utilized as an energy source for thousands of years typically in the form of wood and charcoal. Technological advances create new methodologies to extract energy and chemicals frombiomass. The biomass-derived nanostructured porous carbons (BDNPCs) are the most promising sulfur hosts and interlayers in rechargeable lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. In this article, a comprehensive review is provided in the synthesis of nanostructured porous carbon materials for high-performance rechargeable Li-S batteries by using biomass. The performances of the Li-S batteries dependent on the porous structures (micro, meso and hierarchical) from BDNPCs are discussed, which can provide an in-depth understanding and guide rational design of high-performance cathode materials by using low-cost, sustainable and natural bio-precursors. Furthermore, the current existing challenges and the future research directions for enhancing the performance of Li-S batteries by using natural biomass materials are also addressed.