Application and Challenges of Polymer-Based Electrolytes in Solid-State Lithium-Air Batteries

Wei Xiong; Xingzi Zheng; Mengwei Yuan

doi:10.7536/PC20251109

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Prog Chem ›› 2026, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (3) : 465-478. DOI: 10.7536/PC20251109

Review

Application and Challenges of Polymer-Based Electrolytes in Solid-State Lithium-Air Batteries

Wei Xiong ¹^,³ ,
Xingzi Zheng ²^,^* ,
Mengwei Yuan ¹^,^*

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Abstract

Lithium-air batteries are considered a strong candidate for next-generation electrochemical energy storage due to their exceptionally high theoretical energy density. However， the inherent issues of liquid electrolytes， such as flammability and uncontrolled lithium dendrite growth， severely restrict the safety and practical application of lithium-air batteries. Therefore， developing polymer electrolytes that combine high safety， good mechanical properties， and favorable interfacial compatibility is a critical path toward realizing practical solid-state lithium-air batteries. This review summarizes the fundamental characteristics， preparation methods， and performance in LABs of three categories of polymer electrolytes： solid polymer electrolytes， gel polymer electrolytes， and composite polymer electrolytes. A particular emphasis is placed on reviewing the roles and mechanisms of active and inert fillers in improving the polymer-filler interface， enhancing ion transport and mechanical strength， and reinforcing interfacial stability. The review concludes by summarizing the major current challenges and proposing future research directions， aiming to promote the system integration and engineering application of solid-state lithium-air batteries toward achieving high energy density and long cycle life.

Contents

1 Introduction

2 Solid polymer electrolytes for Li-air batteries

2.1 Polyethylene oxide

2.2 Polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene

2.3 Other polymers

3 Gel polymer electrolytes for Li-air batteries

4 Composite polymer electrolytes for Li-air batteries

4.1 Active filler

4.2 Inert filler

5 Conclusion and outlook

Key words

solid-state lithium-air batteries / polymer electrolytes / gel polymer electrolyte / composite polymer electrolytes

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Wei Xiong , Xingzi Zheng , Mengwei Yuan. Application and Challenges of Polymer-Based Electrolytes in Solid-State Lithium-Air Batteries[J]. Progress in Chemistry. 2026, 38(3): 465-478 https://doi.org/10.7536/PC20251109

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