重磅！聚合物将在固态电池竞赛中胜出！郭新教授团队揭示行业迷思

Core Viewpoint - Solid-state batteries are recognized as the next-generation battery technology, leading to a new "high ground struggle" in the energy sector, with four main electrolyte technology routes: polymer, oxide, sulfide, and halide [2][3]. Summary by Sections Industry Progress and Evaluation - The transition from laboratory prototypes to industrialization of solid-state battery technology necessitates a systematic reconstruction of the evaluation framework, expanding assessment criteria to include scalability, supply chain maturity, and lifecycle costs [3][4]. Polymer Electrolyte Advancements - Polymer solid electrolytes have historically faced skepticism due to low room temperature ionic conductivity, but recent breakthroughs have seen many polymer systems exceed 10⁻³ S·cm⁻¹, enhancing their application potential [6][19]. - Strategies to improve the electrochemical stability window of polymer electrolytes have been developed, allowing advanced polymer systems to achieve stability above 5V [6][19]. Thermal Stability and Safety - Enhancements in thermal stability are critical for the safe operation of solid-state batteries, with research focusing on thermally cross-linked polymers and polymer-ceramic composite electrolytes to improve thermal resistance and mechanical strength [7][19]. Interface Characteristics - The electrolyte-electrode interface is a recognized bottleneck for solid-state battery performance. Polymer electrolytes offer excellent adaptability to volume changes during cycling, maintaining stable interface contact and reducing interfacial resistance [11][20]. Supply Chain and Cost Advantages - Polymer systems benefit from a mature industrial base, with established supply channels for raw materials that avoid rare metals, ensuring stable supply and low-cost mass production [17][20]. - Compared to inorganic solid electrolytes, polymer electrolytes present significant cost advantages, with production costs for sulfide electrolytes being approximately 50 times higher than those for polymer electrolytes [25][20]. Challenges for Inorganic Electrolytes - In contrast, the industrialization of inorganic solid electrolytes faces severe challenges, including the need for extensive process overhauls, reliance on specialized equipment, and high raw material costs, which hinder scalability [22][29]. - The inherent brittleness of oxide electrolytes and the thermal instability of sulfide electrolytes pose additional safety risks, complicating their commercial viability [25][29]. Conclusion - Overall, polymer electrolyte systems have emerged as the most feasible technology for the industrialization of solid-state batteries, addressing traditional limitations and demonstrating unique advantages for large-scale commercialization [20][29].