Conduction of lithium ions in polymer-based electrolytes

Abstract

Polymer electrolytes have been extensively studied due to their high safety, low cost, and ease of processing, and they have received significant attention in the development of solid-state lithium batteries with high energy density and enhanced safety. An ideal polymer-based electrolyte must exhibit a combination of properties, with fast ion conduction being particularly critical. This paper reviews the lithium-ion conduction mechanisms in solid, composite, and quasi-solid polymer electrolytes. The effects of inorganic fillers on Li⁺ conduction in composite polymer electrolytes, as well as the effects of liquid plasticizers on Li⁺ conduction in quasi-solid polymer electrolytes, are discussed. In addition, the application prospects of polymer electrolytes in high energy density, high safety solid-state lithium metal batteries are explored. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for the development of high-performance lithium batteries using polymer electrolytes are presented.