Hydrogel Polymer Electrolytes: Property Function Relationships and Evaluations of Market Readiness

With digitalisation spreading globally at a steady pace, the demand for a range of durable, long lasting and flexible storage systems has been ever clear in recent years. Batteries often end up damaged from daily usage, with a vast majority of batteries using liquid electrolytes, which often lends to problems with dendrite formation, interface instability and mechanical failure. The use of hydrogel polymer electrolytes (HPEs) is a promising cure towards these problems. A gel state of matter shows promise to allow electrolytes to have higher contact with the interface of the electrode that provides high conductivity while absorbing mechanical stresses to keep the battery healthy. Research has shown the self-healing potential of certain hydrogels that could sustain high performance over hundreds of cycles. However, there are still many limitations in its mechanical strength, thermostability and ionic conductivity. Herein, tunable attributes of hydrogels that can increase stability and performance are examined further. This paper looks at the potential property benefits of HPEs over conventional batteries currently in commercial use, as well as its attributes regarding economic and environmental impact for possible future commercialisation.