Polymer-Based Solid-State Electrolytes

Abstract

Polymer-based solid-state electrolytes (PSEs) have been given great attention for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of their light weight, good flexibility, high safety, nonflammability, and high energy density. Substantial research efforts have been demonstrated to achieve remarkable performance in LIBs to replace liquid electrolytes for fulfilling market demands. The polymer matrices, development of PSEs with various polymer architectures, and functional materials are reviewed to investigate the design perceptions and mechanisms of various PSEs. The emerging developments of PSEs, interfacial compatibility with lithium, and lithium dendrite growth during cycling performance in LIBs are discussed. The performance assessment parameters—along with various types of PSEs including dry solid polymer electrolytes, polymer-in-salt electrolytes, and conducting solid polymer electrolytes—are explored and provide comprehensive insights for high performance in LIBs. The various strategies for improvement of performance parameters for PSEs to impede lithium dendrite growth and concentration polarization are summarized. The synthetic and design mechanisms to improve the electrochemical and physical features of PSEs, including ionic conductivity and lithium transference numbers, are discussed. This chapter aims to provide an outlook to enlighten the tactical design of state-of-the-art PSEs and open new ways for the investigation of high-performance LIBs.