TY - JOUR
T1 - Polymer gels for aqueous metal batteries
AU - Zhang, Tianfu
AU - Wang, Keliang
AU - Wang, Hengwei
AU - Wei, Manhui
AU - Chen, Zhuo
AU - Zhong, Daiyuan
AU - Chen, Yunxiang
AU - Pei, Pucheng
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 Elsevier Ltd
PY - 2025/5
Y1 - 2025/5
N2 - With the advantages of high energy density and low cost, aqueous metal batteries have received widespread attention as energy conversion and storage devices. Polymer gels are suitable electrolytes because of their high chemical stability, safety, and inhibition of metal dendrites. However, the commercial application of polymer gels is challenged by factors that include electrolyte–electrode interfaces, external forces, and extreme environments. In addition, it is challenging to design polymer gels that satisfy multiple needs due to trade-offs between different properties. In this review, we present recent advances in polymer gels for aqueous metal batteries. First, the advantages of polymer gels as electrolytes are summarized. Then, the relationship among the structural, properties, and applications of polymer gels is discussed in detail to motivate the exploitation of high-performance polymer gels. The special requirements of different metal batteries for polymer gels are also summarized, including flame retardancy, anode protection, and decomposition of parasitic products. Subsequently, synthesis strategies based on machine learning and characterization techniques for polymer gels are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of polymer gels for applications in aqueous electrical energy storage devices are discussed. This review aims to provide guidance for the design of advanced and compatible polymer gels.
AB - With the advantages of high energy density and low cost, aqueous metal batteries have received widespread attention as energy conversion and storage devices. Polymer gels are suitable electrolytes because of their high chemical stability, safety, and inhibition of metal dendrites. However, the commercial application of polymer gels is challenged by factors that include electrolyte–electrode interfaces, external forces, and extreme environments. In addition, it is challenging to design polymer gels that satisfy multiple needs due to trade-offs between different properties. In this review, we present recent advances in polymer gels for aqueous metal batteries. First, the advantages of polymer gels as electrolytes are summarized. Then, the relationship among the structural, properties, and applications of polymer gels is discussed in detail to motivate the exploitation of high-performance polymer gels. The special requirements of different metal batteries for polymer gels are also summarized, including flame retardancy, anode protection, and decomposition of parasitic products. Subsequently, synthesis strategies based on machine learning and characterization techniques for polymer gels are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of polymer gels for applications in aqueous electrical energy storage devices are discussed. This review aims to provide guidance for the design of advanced and compatible polymer gels.
KW - Aqueous metal batteries
KW - Ion conductivity
KW - Machine learning
KW - Mechanical strength
KW - Polymer gels
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85214084951&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2025.101426
DO - 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2025.101426
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85214084951
SN - 0079-6425
VL - 151
JO - Progress in Materials Science
JF - Progress in Materials Science
M1 - 101426
ER -