Applications of Polymer Electrolytes in Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Review

Abstract

Polymer electrolytes, a type of electrolyte used in lithium-ion batteries, combine polymers and ionic salts. Their integration into lithium-ion batteries has resulted in significant advancements in battery technology, including improved safety, increased capacity, and longer cycle life. This review summarizes the mechanisms governing ion transport mechanism, fundamental characteristics, and preparation methods of different types of polymer electrolytes, including solid polymer electrolytes and gel polymer electrolytes. Furthermore, this work explores recent advancements in non-aqueous Li-based battery systems, where polymer electrolytes lead to inherent performance improvements. These battery systems encompass Li-ion polymer batteries, Li-ion solid-state batteries, Li-air batteries, Li-metal batteries, and Li-sulfur batteries. Notably, the advantages of polymer electrolytes extend beyond enhancing safety. This review also highlights the remaining challenges and provides future perspectives, aiming to propose strategies for developing novel polymer electrolytes for high-performance Li-based batteries.

Advancements and Challenges in Solid-State Battery Technology: An In-Depth Review of Solid Electrolytes and Anode Innovations

“…Each polymer-based solid electrolyte is characterized by a polymer framework that encapsulates dissolved lithium salts, with the electrochemical behavior governed by the polymeric chain, facilitating Li + ion movement within the solid structure. PEs closely resemble liquid electrolytes in their semicrystalline or completely amorphous nature at room temperature, making them suitable for battery applications [104].…”

Investigations of phase change materials in battery thermal management systems for electric vehicles: a review

“…This reactivity can lead to exothermic reactions (reactions that release heat) and potentially ignite the battery. The second reason is flammable electrolytes: Lithium-ion batteries use an electrolyte that facilitates the movement of ions between positive and negative electrodes [20]. If the battery is damaged or compromised, it can lead to a short circuit, which can generate heat and potentially ignite the electrolyte.…”

Engineering Dry Electrode Manufacturing for Sustainable Lithium-Ion Batteries

“…Even though the electrolyte in an LIB is viewed as electrochemically active depending on the conditions within the battery, its ability to conduct ions and its chemical interactions with the electrodes, which results in the creation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI), greatly influences the charge rate, cycle durability, and safety of LIBs [235][236][237]. The electrolytes used in LIBs encompass a variety of types, including organic liquid electrolytes (ethylene carbonate EC), ionic liquid electrolytes, aqueous liquid electrolytes (water as the solvent), inorganic solid electrolytes (ceramics materials), polymer solid electrolytes, and composite electrolytes (ionic liquid + liquid organic); these different electrolytes categories offer distinct characteristics and are suitable for various battery applications [238][239][240][241][242]. The latest development in LIB liquid electrolytes commonly utilizes ethylene carbonate (EC) as the preferred solvent; this choice is attributed to EC's ability to effectively dissolve various lithium salts and its notable dielectric constant, which facilitates superior ionic conductivity [243,244].…”