Polymer electrolytes: The key to lithium polymer batteries

Polymer electrolytes are the basis for new types of practical power sources that free from the problems associated with the escape of corrosive, flammable, or toxic liquids. For successful lithium polymer batteries, a polymer electrolyte must have adequate ionic conductivity, together with high electronic conductivity, high cation mobility, good mechanical properties, the ability to form good interfacial contacts with electrodes, large electrochemical stability window, ease of processing, chemical and thermal stability, and safety. The most advanced polymer electrolytes for lithium polymer battery are formed by dissolving a lithium salt in a modified polyether.