Ion transport in composite polymer electrolytes

Abstract

Owing to their high flexibility, remarkable processability, and favorable interfacial contacts with electrodes, polymer-based electrolytes are highly valued for solid-state batteries with high energy density and safety. Among all the polymer-based electrolytes, composite polymer electrolytes, consisting ofpolymer matrix and inorganic fillers, have shown great prospects, due to their high ionic conductivities and appropriate mechanical strength. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of ion transport in composite polymer electrolytes. Three domains co-exist in a typical composite solid electrolyte, namely, the polymer matrix, the inorganic fillers and the interfacial regions between the polymer matrix and the inorganic fillers; the ion transport in the above three domains is elaborated on the basis of recent studies. Finally, challenges and perspectives are put forward for developing novel composite polymer electrolytes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. This review aims to provide guidance for the development of composite solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity.