Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium/Sulfur Batteries

Lithium/sulfur batteries (LSBs) are an attractive option for innovative energy storage systems due to their exceptional energy density and capacity. In the last ten years, electrolyte research has jumped from studying liquid organic electrolytes (OLEs) to studying solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) to find the excellent performance of LSBs with increased safety and energy densities. Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) have shown the ability to prevent further expansion of lithium dendrites due to their greater mechanical strength. Notwithstanding, the small electrochemical window hampers the commercialization of solid-state LSBs (SSLSBs) for electrolytes, low ionic conductivity, and poor interfacial contact due to the absence of any liquid components. Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), which integrate liquid electrolytes (LEs) in solid polymer matrices, have been successfully designed to address these challenges. Although the ideal ionic transport and low interfacial resistance of GPE have prompted many researchers to make significant advances in highly implemented LSBs, a complete evaluation of GPE for LSBs remains incomplete. This chapter critically discusses recent literature, aiming to explore various types of PE-based LSBs. Additionally, it delves into the influence of polymers on the formation of lithium dendrites and navigates the challenges associated with multiple interfaces. In essence, elucidating the current advancements and summarizing the distinct challenges associated with polymer-based electrolytes will be instrumental in advancing the field of PE-based LSBs.