Recent Progress of the Solid‐State Electrolytes for High‐Energy Metal‐Based Batteries

TLDR

Metal‑anode secondary batteries promise high energy density, yet liquid electrolytes cause unstable electrodeposition and interfacial reactions that compromise performance and safety. This review surveys recent advances in solid‑state electrolytes—ceramic, polymer, and hybrid—highlighting their role in enabling innovative metal‑based battery chemistries. The authors compare inorganic, organic, and hybrid solid‑state electrolytes, discussing their ionic conductivity, interfacial stability, and suitability for various metal‑battery chemistries. The review concludes by outlining remaining challenges and future directions for solid‑state electrolyte development.

Abstract

Abstract Secondary batteries based on metal anodes (e.g., Li, Na, Mg, Zn, and Al) are among the most sought‐after candidates for next‐generation mobile and stationary storage systems because they are able to store a larger amount of energy per unit mass or volume. However, unstable electrodeposition and uncontrolled interfacial reactions occuring in liquid electrolytes cause unsatisfying cell performance and potential safety concerns for the commercial application of these metal anodes. Solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) having a higher modulus are considered capable of inhibiting difficulties associated with the anodes and may enable building of safe all‐solid‐state metal batteries, yet several challenges, such as insufficient room‐temperature ionic conductivity and poor interfacial stability between the electrode and the electrolyte, hinder the large‐scale development of such batteries. Here, research and development of SSEs including inorganic ceramics, organic solid polymers, and organic–inorganic hybrid/composite materials for metal‐based batteries are reviewed. The comparison of different types of electrolytes is discussed in detail, in the context of electrochemical energy storage applications. Then, the focus of this study is on recent advances in a range of attractive and innovative battery chemistries and technologies that are enabled by SSEs. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are outlined to foresee the development of SSEs.