In Situ Hybrid Solid-State Electrolytes for Lithium Battery Applications

The translation of inorganic-polymer hybrid battery materials from laboratory-scale to industry-relevant battery manufacturing processes is difficult due to their complexity, scalability, and cost and the limited fundamental knowledge that is available. Herein, we introduce a unique and compelling approach for the preparation of hybrid solid electrolytes based on an in situ synthesized halide electrolyte (Li₃InCl₆) in the presence of a non-conducting polymer (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer). This innovative in situ approach delivers flexible self-standing membranes with good ionic conductivity (0.7 × 10^-4 S/cm at 30 °C) and low activation energy (0.25 eV). This study suggests that the total conductivity is dominated by the inorganic-polymer interfaces and the microstructure of the hybrids affects the energy barriers to ion transport. This work opens a promising sustainable and cost-efficient route that can be easily implemented in current battery manufacturing lines.