A review of polymer electrolytes: fundamental, approaches and applications

Abstract

In this paper, we review different types of polymer electrolytes, recent approaches and technological applications of polymer electrolytes. The report first discusses the characteristics, advantages and applications for three types of polymer electrolytes: gel polymer electrolytes, solid polymer electrolytes and composite polymer electrolytes. Next, we discuss the features and performance of different polymer hosts based on some important and recently published literature. Recent progress of some approaches used in improving the performance of the polymer electrolytes is highlighted. The last part of the review includes the technological applications of some electrical energy storing/converting devices: electrochemical capacitors, batteries, fuel cells and dye-sensitized solar cells. It is also stressed that the technological advancement in the polymer electrolytes plays a pivotal role in the development of energy storing/converting systems.

Ion Transport in Solvent-Free, Crosslinked, Single-Ion Conducting Polymer Electrolytes for Post-Lithium Ion Batteries

“…Post-lithium ion batteries, including those based on lithium metal and other more abundant materials, are under active investigation. Next-generation battery electrolytes that allow for improved safety, maintained or longer device lifetimes, and that support post-lithium ion platforms are highly desired [1][2][3][4][5][6].…”

Recent Advancements in Polymer-Based Composite Electrolytes for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

“…From a practical application standpoint, polymer electrolytes for Li polymer batteries should inherently possess the following properties: (1) high ionic conductivities(> 10 −4 S cm −1 at ambient temperature) [46] (2) appreciable Li + transference numbers (close to unity if possible) [48], (3) good mechanical strength(> 6 GPa) [49][50][51], (4) wide electrochemical stability windows (up to 4-5 V vs. Li/Li + ) [20], (5) excellent chemical and thermal stability and beneficial compatibility with electrode materials [37,52] and (6) low-cost and facile synthesis processes [53]. However, it is difficult for single-polymer electrolytes to meet all the requirements, and most possess low ionic conductivity (10 −5 -10 −7 S cm −1 at room temperature) and poor long-term stability as a result of the structural reorganization of polymer chains, severely limiting practical applications [54,55]. As proposed, an effective method to improve the comprehensive performance of polymer electrolytes is to combine polymer electrolytes with other proper components to take advantage of synergistic effects in the construction of polymer-based composite electrolytes [56][57][58].…”

Synthesis and characterization of poly (1‐vinyl‐3‐butylimidazolium‐co‐methyl methacrylate) gel polymer electrolytes for dye‐sensitized solar cells: Effect of structure and composition

“…Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been widely researched in the last decades due to their simple fabrication process from low‐cost materials and high energy conversion efficiency . The electrolyte is one of the main components of the DSSCs, and its improvement is particularly important for further commercialization . Because the leakage, flammability, toxicity, and volatilization of liquid electrolytes limit the commercialization of DSSCs, various studies have focused on the substitution of the liquid electrolyte by solids or gels .…”