Abstract
Among the various types of polymer electrolytes, gel polymer electrolytes have been considered as promising electrolytes for high-performance lithium and non-lithium batteries. The introduction of inorganic fillers into the polymer-salt system of gel polymer electrolytes has emerged as an effective strategy to achieve high ionic conductivity and excellent interfacial contact with the electrode. In this review, the detailed roles of inorganic fillers in composite gel polymer electrolytes are presented based on their physical and electrochemical properties in lithium and non-lithium polymer batteries. First, we summarize the historical developments of gel polymer electrolytes. Then, a list of detailed fillers applied in gel polymer electrolytes is presented. Possible mechanisms of conductivity enhancement by the addition of inorganic fillers are discussed for each inorganic filler. Subsequently, inorganic filler/polymer composite electrolytes studied for use in various battery systems, including Li-, Na-, Mg-, and Zn-ion batteries, are discussed. Finally, the future perspectives and requirements of the current composite gel polymer electrolyte technologies are highlighted.
Highlights
Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 614. https://Electrolytes serve as the transportation medium for charge carriers between a pair of electrodes that are ubiquitous in electrolyte cells, fuel cells, and batteries [1]
More importantly, the use of appropriate inorganic fillers in gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) has recently emerged as one of the most promising methods to enhance the strength of the membranes, ionic conductivity, and lithium ion (Li+ ion) transfer, which results in the GPEs performing well in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) [43]
This study showed the different roles of the inorganic fillers: SiO2 contributed to the enhanced ion conduction due to strong Lewis acid–base interactions, whereas Al2 O3 improved the structural and thermal stability of the GPE owing to its high stiffness
Summary
Electrolytes serve as the transportation medium for charge carriers between a pair of electrodes that are ubiquitous in electrolyte cells, fuel cells, and batteries [1]. Heterogeneous GPEs consist of a polymer framework of which the interconnected pores are filled with LEs. lithium ion (Li+ ion) transport mainly proceeds in the swollen gel phase or liquid phase in heterogeneous GPEs, which has a higher electrolytic conductance than SPEs. In addition, owing to their high safety and flexibility, GPEs are increasingly utilized for the manufacturing of advanced energy storage devices [43,44]. Blending, copolymerization, and crosslinking are used to improve the properties of polymer matrices and produce GPEs that perform well in LIBs. more importantly, the use of appropriate inorganic fillers in GPEs has recently emerged as one of the most promising methods to enhance the strength of the membranes, ionic conductivity, and Li+ ion transfer, which results in the GPEs performing well in LIBs [43]. The application of GPEs in various battery systems (Li, Na, Mg, and Zn batteries) is discussed
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