Recent Developments in Polymeric Composites for Solid-State Batteries

Abstract

Since the 1970’s, when lithium conduction was first demonstrated in a poly(ethylene) oxide composite electrolyte, polymeric materials have been developed for use as electrolytes and electrodes in metal-based battery systems. Significant advances in composition and manufacturing of these materials, specifically targeting improvements in key properties of these materials, have resulted in them becoming attractive options for use in all-solid-state batteries. The mechanical strength, processability and flexibility of polymers allows them to be used in both electrolyte and electrode composites that are designed to meet the prerequisites for use in solid state batteries. With these goals in mind, the introduction section of this chapter discusses the historical and current industrial and academic use of polymeric composites in batteries along with safety concerns associated with the use of solid polymer electrolytes in lithium batteries. Section 2 discusses the challenges that are associated with the analysis and understanding of complex polymer composite systems. Composite electrolytes, active materials and practical considerations for the optimization of all-solid-state battery systems are also mentioned in this section. Section 3 discusses challenges and strategies associated with the development and implementation of thick electrodes and how these are thus far under-utilized in all-solid-state devices. Lastly, wet and dry methods to produce polymer-based electrolytes and electrodes are discussed.