Composite Polymer Electrolytes for Battery Applications

The increasing reliance on fossil fuels for energy presents significant environmental challenges, prompting the exploration of renewable and alternative energy sources. Among these innovations, batteries play a crucial role in energy storage. However, optimizing battery efficiency, cycle life, charging rates, storage capacity, discharge rates, compatibility, mechanical strength, and ionic conductivity remain challenges. Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) have emerged as a promising solution, particularly in lithium-ion and solid-state technologies. CPEs improve electrochemical performance by combining the flexibility and processability of the polymers with the ionic conductivity of inorganic fillers. Ceramic or glassy materials embedded into a polymer matrix improve ionic transport and provide stability to the electrolyte interface by suppressing dendrite formation, thus enhancing safety. Recent advancements in the development of CPEs are reviewed here, with emphasis on synthesis, structural characteristics, and ionic conduction mechanisms. Further, we address the issues related to the improvement of mechanical properties and thermal stability, and the integration of CPEs into battery systems. Finally, we highlight in this chapter the role of CPEs in driving the next generation of high-performance, safe, and efficient energy storage devices, thus paving the path for future research into this vital area.