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The low energy density, safety concerns, and high cost associated with conventional lithium‐ion batteries pose challenges in meeting the growing demands of emerging applications. While lithiumsulfur batteries (LSBs) offer high specific capacity, their commercial viability is hindered by the prevalent issue of shuttle effects. Furthermore, the potential of solid‐state lithium batteries is constrained by the suboptimal ionic conductivity and significant interphase problems. High‐entropy materials (HEMs) have emerged as a strategic approach for the development of innovative materials possessing exceptional properties. In recent times, some studies have been undertaken to explore the potential of HEMs in lithium‐based rechargeable batteries, showcasing their favorable characteristics. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of various factors associated with HEM materials, encompassing elements, structure, and morphology, on the reversibility of reactions and cycling stability. This work also presents an analysis of the effects of elements and morphology on the properties of HEMs in LSBs, which can trap soluble lithium polysulfides and enhance reaction kinetics. Additionally, the work provides an overview of high‐entropy electrolytes, including both solid‐state and non‐aqueous liquid electrolytes. Furthermore, the research outlines future research directions aimed at investigating more efficient HEMs and enhancing the overall performance of lithium‐based rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) are regarded as a highly promising next‐generation energy storage technology due to their exceptional theoretical capacity and energy density. However, the practical application of these batteries is hindered by several challenges, including significant volume change of active materials, severe shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides, inadequate electronic and ionic conductivity, and safety concerns. These issues are particularly pronounced in cathodes with high sulfur loading, which are essential for the effective implementation of LSBs. Binders are an essential constituent of sulfur cathodes, and they perform a crucial function in enhancing the efficacy of LSBs, particularly when subjected to high sulfur loading. A considerable amount of research has been conducted to investigate the potential of multifunctional binders to tackle the aforementioned challenges associated with LSBs. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the various roles that advanced multifunctional binders play in LSBs, including but not limited to preserving electrode integrity, capturing lithium polysulfides, regulating Li2S deposition, accelerating reaction kinetics, enhancing ionic and electronic conductivity, promoting sulfur cathode safety, and safeguarding the environment. Additionally, the paper outlines the challenges and prospects for future research endeavors aimed at creating innovative multifunctional binders and improving the overall performance of LSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, self‐derivation and surface reconstruction strategies are innovatively introduced into the synthetic route of the metal complex‐derived catalysts. The in situ grown nanorod arrays of Ni‐based complex are prepared by a simple self‐derivation and rapid ligand chelation reaction. Furthermore, highly active heterogeneous electrocatalysts are developed by mild‐temperature calcination. Attributed to the maintained morphology and highly dispersed Ni/Ni(OH)2 heterojunction active sites, the as‐prepared electrode exhibits superior hydrogen evolution activity (38.4 mV–10 mA cm−2). In particular, the dynamic reconstruction during oxygen evolution through in situ Fourier transform infrared and in situ Raman spectroscopies are observed. The reconstructed Ni(OH)2/NiOOH by activation gives the electrode higher oxygen evolution performance (369 mV–200 mA cm−2). Further density functional theory mechanism studies disclose that Ni/Ni(OH)2 contributes to the adsorption of H* in hydrogen evolution and the activated Ni(OH)2/NiOOH optimizes the formation of intermediates in oxygen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]