Polymers for Long‐Cycle and Highly Safe Lithium‐Based Batteries

Abstract

Lithium‐based batteries (LBBs) have virtually dominated the energy storage market for electronic products and electric vehicles. In these batteries, the critical roles of polymers cannot be ignored. In this article, state‐of‐the‐art developments and perspectives for improving the safety and stability of LBBs using polymers are summarized. These materials are particularly used as separator decorations, solid‐state electrolytes, binders, and fire retardants. Polymers exhibit excellent performance as binders for Si anodes because of their long chains and high adhesion ability. This review focuses on the application of polymers to Li–S batteries based on their fundamental electrochemistry and the challenges arising from the dissolution of polysulfides. In addition, the dendrite growth inhibition ability and mechanism of polymeric artificial solid electrolyte interphase film and solid‐state electrolytes are described. The performance of polymer as fire retardant and the mechanism for solid‐state polymer electrolytes are elaborated. Finally, the perspectives on the potential of polymers for LBBs and energy storage because of their outstanding plasticity and chemical controllability are presented.

A hybrid polymer protective layer with uniform Li+ flux and self-adaption enabling dendrite-free Li metal anodes

“…34 Nevertheless, the relatively low ionic conductivity of most polymer films limits the electrochemical performance of Li metal anodes, especially at high current density. 36,37 In line with this, the inorganic species are often incorporated into the polymer films as fillers. For instance, adding LiF particles to poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), 38 introducing Li bis-trifluoromethyl sulfonate (LiTFSI) salt into polyethylene vinyl alcohol-β-acrylonitrile ether (EBC), 20 and joining Cu 3 N nanoparticles to styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) 39 have been reported as effective synergised interlayers for Li anodes.…”