Ionic Conduction in Polymer-Based Solid Electrolytes

Good safety, high interfacial compatibility, low cost, and facile processability make polymer-based solid electrolytes promising materials for next-generation batteries. Key issues related to polymer-based solid electrolytes, such as synthesis methods, ionic conductivity, and battery architecture, are investigated in past decades. However, mechanistic understanding of the ionic conduction is still lacking, which impedes the design and optimization of polymer-based solid electrolytes. In this review, the ionic conduction mechanisms and optimization strategies of polymer-based solid electrolytes, including solvent-free polymer electrolytes, composite polymer electrolytes, and quasi-solid/gel polymer electrolytes, are summarized and evaluated. Challenges and strategies for enhancing the ionic conductivity are elaborated, while the ion-pair dissociation, ion mobility, polymer relaxation, and interactions at polymer/filler interfaces are highlighted. This comprehensive review is especially pertinent for the targeted enhancement of the Li-ion conductivity of polymer-based solid electrolytes.

Automated summary

Polymer-based solid electrolytes have shown great promise for next-generation batteries due to their good safety, high interfacial compatibility, low cost, and facile processability. However, a mechanistic understanding of the ionic conduction is still lacking, hindering the design and optimization of polymer-based solid electrolytes. This comprehensive review summarizes and evaluates the ionic conduction mechanisms and optimization strategies of various polymer-based solid electrolytes, highlighting challenges and strategies for enhancing the ionic conductivity.