Progress and Accomplishments in Polymer Blend Electrolytes for Electrochemical Energy Storage: A Comprehensive Review

This review article provided a deep and comprehensive discussion of solid polymer blend electrolytes (SPBEs), their mechanism, and their application in different energy storage systems. It provides concepts of SPBEs as a form of electrolyte that has better ionic conductivity than liquid and single polymer electrolytes (PEs). PEs based on a single polymer host have been widely investigated. Nevertheless, low conductivity and potential windows were reported to be the main concerns that caused low energy and power density. Moreover, it is necessary to note that a single polymer could not serve effectively as a separator/electrolyte. This may enforce a temperature limit and raise additional safety concerns. The need to blend two polymers that can maintain performance at high temperatures is required. Polymer blending is a simple technique that can be adopted to increase ion transportation and dissociation. This review comprehensively discussed the background of various energy storage devices and the major types of electrolytes. The formation of polymer blend electrolytes, complex formation, and their applications are highlighted. The importance of -OH on the host polymers is well described. Finally, future research for improving the performance of the electrolytes based on polymer blends to enhance the electrochemical performance of the electrolytes is presented.