Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes: fabrication strategies, characterization and future perspectives for sustainable energy
摘要
Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs) have emerged as a key class of materials for next-generation energy storage systems, offering a unique balance of ionic conductivity, mechanical integrity, and thermal stability. This review critically examines three major fabrication approaches electrospinning, sol–gel processing, and organic–inorganic hybrid strategies highlighting their underlying principles, advantages, and limitations. Electrospinning-derived NCPEs demonstrate high ionic conductivity and flexibility, making them attractive for wearable and flexible devices, but their scalability remains limited. Sol–gel derived NCPEs exhibit superior thermal stability and uniform nanoparticle dispersion, positioning them as promising candidates for solid-state lithium batteries, though their cost and time-intensive processing hinder commercialization. Hybrid NCPEs integrate the strengths of both approaches, achieving multifunctional properties with balanced performance, yet face challenges related to interfacial compatibility and filler supply chains. Advanced characterization methods including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) are discussed, along with the emerging role of in situ and operando techniques in revealing dynamic processes. Future directions emphasize the design of self-healing and stretchable NCPEs for flexible energy storage, bio-based electrolytes for sustainability, and the integration of artificial intelligence to accelerate materials discovery and predictive modeling. By synthesizing insights from fabrication, characterization, and application, this review provides a comprehensive framework for guiding the development of scalable, sustainable, and high-performance NCPEs for solid-state batteries, supercapacitors, and wearable electronics.
Graphical abstract