The lithium-sulfur batteries are rather latest and high-performance storage batteries due to their rather high theoretical specific capacity(1675 mAh ·g^-1) and energy density(2600 Wh ·kg^-1). This study provides the entire and latest fundamental studies in lithium-sulfur batteries. The cathodes, binders, separators, electrolytes, anodes, some novel cell configurations and structure design of battery are introduced in details. For improving the conductivity of cathode material and suppressing the "shuttle effect", elemental sulfur can be combined with other materials as the cathodes of batteries through various ways. These can enhance the batteries performances. In terms of binders and electrolyte, some appropriate and functional binders and electrolyte are chosen which are compatible with electrode material. At the same time, in terms of separators, researchers mainly pay attention to the type choice or the separators composition and modified treatment. With regard to anodes, several methods have been considered for improving the batteries stability and safety based on metallic lithium such as coating thin dense protective layers or pre-lithiation treatment. Some novel cell configurations such as the application of interlayer, new collectors and new type structures of lithium-sulfur batteries are also vital aspects to greatly improve cell performances. At last, the future research directions associated with lithium-sulfur batteries have also been indicated.

Contents
1 Introduction
2 The principle and characterization of lithium-sulfur batteries
3 Cathode materials of lithium-sulfur batteries
3.1 Sulfur/carbon composites
3.2 Sulfur/conductive polymer composites
3.3 Sulfur/metal and its oxide composites
3.4 Sulfur/multiple sulfur-based compound
4 Binder of lithium-sulfur batteries
5 Electrolytes of lithium-sulfur batteries
5.1 Liquid electrolytes
5.2 Solid state electrolytes
5.3 Gel polymer electrolytes
5.4 Ionic liquid electrolytes
6 Separators of lithium-sulfur batteries
7 Anodes of lithium-sulfur batteries
8 Electrode structure design and modification of lithium-sulfur batteries
8.1 Interlayers and new type of collectors
8.2 New type structures of lithium-sulfur batteries
9 Summary and future directions