Document Type : Review
Authors
1
1Department of chemistry and polymer research, polymer research center, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
2
Material Science Department, Polymer Research Center, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq.
3
Basrah university
4
Food science department, Agriculture college , Basra University
Abstract
Polymer chemistry is a major game-changer for energy storage technologies and has a vital role in the energy transition to sustainable systems worldwide. This review identifies the major roles for polymers related to capacity enhancement, elemental safety, and ecological enhancement of batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices. Given their structural diversity, function variability, and cost effectiveness, polymers are an avenue for exploration of new materials such as polymer electrolytes, polymer electrolytes/additives, electrode binders, and conducting (e.g., functionalized) composites, while still addressing major concerns in lithium ion batteries (LIBs), sodium ion batteries (SIBs), or supercapacitors (e.g., energy density, cycle life, elemental safety, environmental impact). This review aims to highlight various applications, such as solid polymer electrolytes to enhance safety and prevent thermal runaway in LIBs; bio-derived binders for green development of electrodes in LIBs and SIBs; and conducting (e.g., functionalized) polymer composites, which enhance the specific capacitance of supercapacitors. This review also described challenges in energy storage utilizing polymers, including scaling up, cost, and problems associated with the raw materials in polymer synthesis and the final product itself, and suggested solutions (i.e., PFAS-free and recyclable) to prevent contamination of groundwater and waterways. Ethical issues, i.e., equitable access to advanced technologies (Li, Co, etc.), were also discussed over future directions, such as AI-assisted material discovery and biodegradable polymers for energy storage. This review highlights the prospects of exploiting polymer chemistry and sustainable practices to realize effective, green energy storage systems and the future of decarbonized energy.
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