Solid-State and Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium and Sodium Metal Batteries
This community focuses on developing electrolyte materials—specifically solid-state and polymer-based systems—to improve the safety, stability, and energy density of rechargeable batteries using lithium and sodium metal anodes.
The research centers on the design of solid electrolytes, polymer electrolytes, and gel polymer composites to facilitate ionic conductivity while stabilizing the electrode-electrolyte interface. Key recurring themes include the formation and management of solid electrolyte interphases (SEI), the suppression of dendrite growth in metal anodes, and the development of layered oxide cathodes compatible with these new electrolyte systems. The work addresses specific challenges such as interfacial stability, ionic transport mechanisms, and the mechanical integrity of all-solid-state battery architectures.
Lithium research accounts for the largest share of this community's output, representing 15.8% of all lithium research tracked, with 16,624 papers. Sodium and fluorine also contribute significantly, with shares of 2.5% and 3.3% of their respective element research, and paper counts of 2,663 and 2,784.
The community comprises 35,531 papers, published primarily in the Journal of Power Sources, Journal of The Electrochemical Society, and Electrochimica Acta.
Recent work continues to focus on advanced electrolyte formulations, including polymer electrolytes for high-energy lithium batteries, the contrast between monovalent and multivalent metal anodes, and the design of solid electrolytes for sodium-ion systems.