Fig. 2

Understanding the reaction mechanisms of different lithium–sulfur cells. a–c Discharge–charge profiles of different types of lithium–sulfur cells. In operando X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy study of d alucone-coated C–S electrode in ether-based electrolyte, e alucone-coated C–S electrode in carbonate-based electrolyte, and f as-prepared short-chain sulfur electrode in carbonate-based electrolyte. g Schematics for proposed mechanism of alucone C–S cathodes in carbonate-based electrolyte