Abstract:
Sulfur, a by-product of industrial processes, presents a unique opportunity for advancing sustainable energy
storage systems, particularly in metal-sulfur batteries (MSBs) and thermal energy storage (TES) applications.
Both MSBs and TES technologies benefit from sulfur’s abundance, cost-effectiveness, and high energy storage
potential. However, the effective utilisation of sulfur in these systems relies on its purification to meet stringent
quality standards, as impurities can significantly impact performance. This review examines sulfur’s role as an
industrial by-product, detailing conventional and alternative purification methods from sources such as petro
leum and coal. Techniques such as hydrodesulfurisation (HDS), adsorptive desulfurisation (ADS), oxidative
desulfurisation (ODS), and biodesulfurisation (BDS) as well as extraction and flotation are evaluated for their
efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact. Sulfur’s dual application in MSBs and TES positions it as a
critical material for sustainable, large-scale energy storage solutions, underscoring this research’s significance
and impact implications. The review emphasises the need for continued innovation in sulfur purification
methods and integrating green chemistry principles to enhance sustainability. The insights provided here pave
the way for broader sulfur utilisation, offering sustainable pathways for its application in industrial processes and
energy storage technologies.
