Novel Insights into Solid-State Batteries Through Phase Modulations: Dielectric Phase and Liquid Crystal Phase

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are crucial for next-generation energy storage.
• Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) offer advantages like mechanical toughness and ease of processing.
• Liquid crystal polymer (LCP) electrolytes are emerging due to their ordered structures facilitating ion transport.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the synergistic combination of dielectric and liquid crystal (LC) phases in SPEs for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
• To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of polymer and composite electrolytes considering dielectric, ferroelectric, and LC phases.
• To explore the potential of LCPs in advancing ASSB technology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and perspective synthesis.
• Analysis of dielectric and ferroelectric properties of polymers.
• Evaluation of liquid crystalline and non-liquid crystalline phases in electrolytes.

Main Results:

• Ordered self-assembled structures in LCP electrolytes create efficient ion transport pathways.
• Combining dielectric and LC phases offers a route to enhance SPE performance.
• Ferroelectric LCPs and their composites show promise as a new class of SPEs.

Conclusions:

• Synergistic combination of dielectric and LC phases is a promising strategy for high-performance SPEs.
• Ferroelectric LCPs represent a novel direction for developing advanced solid polymer electrolytes.
• This perspective provides insights into tailoring SPEs for improved ASSB applications.