Why are polymers important in battery engineering?

Polymers are ubiquitous in batteries as binders, separators, electrolytes and electrode coatings. In this Review, we discuss the principles underlying the design of polymers with advanced functionalities to enable progress in battery engineering, with a specific focus on silicon, lithium-metal and sulfur battery chemistries.

Are polymer electrolyte systems the future of battery technology?

Polymer electrolytes continue to offer the opportunity for safer, high-performing next-generation battery technology. The benefits of a polymeric electrolyte system lie in its ease of processing and flexibility, while ion transport and mechanical strength have been highlighted for improvement.

Can polymers improve the performance of lithium ion batteries?

Polymers play a crucial role in improving the performance of the ubiquitous lithium ion battery. But they will be even more important for the development of sustainable and versatile post-lithium battery technologies, in particular solid-state batteries.

Why are functional polymers important in the development of post-Li ion batteries?

Furthermore, functional polymers play an active and important role in the development of post-Li ion batteries. In particular, ion conducting polymer electrolytes are key for the development of solid-state battery technologies, which show benefits mostly related to safety, flammability, and energy density of the batteries.

What are some recent Polymer Developments?

These trends will be illustrated using a selection of recent polymer developments including new ionic polymers, biobased polymers, self-healing polymers, mixed-ionic electronic conducting polymers, inorganic–polymer composites, or redox polymers to give some examples.

What are the challenges of battery-related polymer materials?

Outstanding challenges for battery-related polymer materials include the development of fast room-temperature Li-ion transport, the further stabilization of high-capacity electrodes and improved electrochemical stability for high-voltage cathode materials.