Elastomeric Polymer Network Electrolyte: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

Abstract

Elastomeric polymer network electrolytes (EPNEs) are an emerging class of materials that combine the mechanical flexibility of elastomers with the ionic conductivity of electrolytes. Conventional liquid or gel-based polymer electrolytes suffer from solvent molecule-related leakage, evaporation, and flammability issues. Solid-state polymer electrolytes offer enhanced safety but tend to be rigid, brittle, and show poor adhesion with limited ionic conductivity. EPNEs offer solvent-free solid-state ionic conduction, enabled by the segmental motion of the flexible polymer chains. Their network structures also offer superior mechanical resilience and elasticity, making them highly promising for advanced electrochemical applications. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of EPNEs, comparing their characteristics to other electrolytes, and highlighting the various synthetic methods and design principles employed. Key performance metrics, including ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, and operational stabilities, are discussed in the context of their applications in energy applications, wearable electronics, and soft ionotronics. By addressing the potential of EPNEs and their development directions, this review highlights their critical role in advancing next-generation electrolytes, opening new opportunities for various fields of electrochemical devices.