Anita Gaur*,
Janvi Singh,
- Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Ch. Charan Singh University, L. R. College, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Student, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Ch. Charan Singh University, L. R. College, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
The research explores polymer electrolytes as promising materials for flexible energy storage applications, driven by the growing demand for wearable and portable electronics. Polymer electrolytes, including solid, gel, and composite types, offer key advantages such as mechanical flexibility, lightweight design, and improved safety over traditional liquid electrolytes. This study reviews recent developments in materials like polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and ionic liquid-based systems, focusing on their ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and electrode compatibility. Strategies such as nanofiller incorporation, copolymerization, and structural optimization are discussed to enhance performance. The integration of these materials into flexible lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors is examined, along with the challenges and future directions for achieving efficient, scalable, and reliable energy storage technologies. In addition, the role of polymer–salt interactions and segmental chain motion in governing ion transport mechanisms is critically analyzed. Advanced characterization techniques, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical testing, are highlighted as essential tools for correlating structural features with electrochemical performance. The influence of processing methods, such as solution casting, electrospinning, and in situ polymerization, on electrolyte morphology and flexibility is also discussed. Furthermore, emerging trends involving bio-based polymers and recyclable electrolyte systems are considered in the context of environmental sustainability. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in achieving high ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures while maintaining long-term mechanical integrity and interfacial stability. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the practical deployment of polymer electrolyte-based flexible energy storage devices in next-generation electronics and smart systems.
Keywords: Polymer electrolytes, flexible energy storage, solid polymer, electrolytes, gel polymer electrolytes, lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, ionic conductivity, mechanical flexibility
[This article belongs to International Journal of Advance in Molecular Engineering ]
Anita Gaur*, Janvi Singh. Polymer Electrolytes for Flexible Energy Storage. International Journal of Advance in Molecular Engineering. 2026; 04(01):27-35.
Anita Gaur*, Janvi Singh. Polymer Electrolytes for Flexible Energy Storage. International Journal of Advance in Molecular Engineering. 2026; 04(01):27-35. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijame/article=2026/view=240261
References
- Zhang, , et al. (2023). Recent advances in flexible gel polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. Advanced Materials.
- Kumar, , et al. (2022). Self-healing polymer electrolytes for next-generation flexible energy devices. Electrochimica Acta.
- Lee, Y., et al. (2021). Nanostructured solid polymer electrolytes with high ionic conductivity. Nano Energy.
- Wang, , et al. (2020). Composite polymer electrolytes for solid-state lithium batteries: Design, performance, and challenges. Journal of Power Sources.
- Xie, , et al. (2024). Polymer electrolytes for energy storage devices: A comprehensive review. Chemical Reviews, 1443–1482.
- Nguyen TK, Pham-Truong TN. Recent advancements in gel polymer electrolytes for flexible energy storage applications. Polymers. 2024 Sep 3;16(17):2506.
- Li H, Tang Z, Liu Z, Zhi C. Evaluating flexibility and wearability of flexible energy storage devices. Joule. 2019 Mar 20;3(3):613–9.
- Cheng X, Pan J, Zhao Y, Liao M, Peng H. Gel polymer electrolytes for electrochemical energy storage. Advanced Energy Materials. 2018 Mar;8(7):1702184.
- Jeong HT, Du JF, Kim YR. Development of flexible energy storage device by using polymer electrolyte based on ionic liquid. ChemistrySelect. 2017 Jul 21;2(21):6057–61.
- Mohanta J, Kang DW, Cho JS, Jeong SM, Kim JK. Stretchable electrolytes for stretchable/flexible energy storage systems–Recent developments. Energy Storage Materials. 2020 Jun 1;28:315–324.
International Journal of Advance in Molecular Engineering
| Volume | 04 |
| Issue | 01 |
| Received | 06/02/2026 |
| Accepted | 27/02/2026 |
| Published | 10/03/2026 |
| Publication Time | 32 Days |
Login
PlumX Metrics