In Situ Polymer Electrolyte Development for Lithium Metal Batteries

In situ polymer electrolytes offer a transformative route to integrate electrolyte formation directly within the assembled cell, thereby enhancing electrode–electrolyte intimacy, reducing interfacial resistance and suppressing lithium dendrite growth. By introducing monomeric or oligomeric precursors into the cell and triggering polymerisation via thermal, chemical or radiation initiators, conformal solid or gel polymer electrolytes form within electrode pores and at interfaces. These electrolytes combine the safety and mechanical robustness of solid‐state systems with the high ionic conductivities and interfacial wetting of liquids. Recent advances have focused on tailoring monomer chemistry, optimising salt–monomer interactions and incorporating fillers or flame‐retardant additives to extend electrochemical windows, improve lithium‐ion transference numbers and stabilise electrode interphases. The in situ approach has shown particular promise in high‐voltage lithium metal batteries, where stable solid electrolyte interphases and uniform lithium deposition are critical to long‐cycle performance and safety.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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In Situ Polymer Electrolyte Development for Lithium Metal Batteries publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in in situ polymer electrolyte development for lithium metal batteries across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

In situ polymerisation: Polymer formation triggered directly within an assembled battery to create conformal electrolyte layers.

Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE): A polymer matrix hosting lithium salts that conducts ions without liquid solvents.

Gel polymer electrolyte (GPE): A polymer network swollen with liquid electrolyte, combining solid‐state safety with liquid conductivity.

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI): A passivating layer at the electrode surface that regulates ion transport and suppresses side reactions.

Lithium dendrite: Needle‐like lithium deposits that grow during cycling and can short‐circuit cells.

References

1. Nonflammable in situ PDOL‐based gel polymer electrolyte for high‐energy‐density and high safety lithium metal batteries. Carbon Neutralization (2024).
2. Progress and perspectives of in situ polymerization method for lithium‐based batteries. Interdisciplinary Materials (2023).
3. In situ polymerization process: an essential design tool for lithium polymer batteries. Energy & Environmental Science (2021).