Polymer-Based Electrolytes for Organic Batteries

Abstract

The pursuit of sustainable and environmentally benign energy storage solutions has propelled significant interest in organic batteries, which utilize redox-active organic compounds as electrode materials. A pivotal component in determining their electrochemical performance, safety, and long-term stability is the electrolyte. Polymer-based electrolytes (PBEs) have emerged as promising candidates owing to their intrinsic advantages, such as enhanced thermal stability, mechanical integrity, and the mitigation of leakage and flammability risks associated with conventional liquid electrolytes. Unlike previous reviews that broadly cover solid electrolytes, this review specifically focuses on the unique developments of polymer-based electrolytes tailored for organic batteries over the past few years. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in PBEs specifically designed for organic battery systems. It systematically examines various categories, including solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), valued for their structural simplicity and stability; gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), noted for their high ionic conductivity and processability; and polymer-inorganic composite electrolytes, which synergistically integrate the mechanical flexibility of polymers with the ionic conductivity of inorganic fillers. Additionally, the review delves into the latest advancements in ionogels and poly(ionic liquid) electrolytes, highlighting their potential to overcome existing limitations and enable next-generation battery performance. The article concludes with a critical discussion on prevailing challenges and prospective research directions, emphasizing the importance of advanced material design, interfacial engineering, and sustainable synthesis approaches to facilitate the practical realization of high-performance organic batteries.