Electrolyte for energy storage/conversion (Li+, Na+, Mg2+) devices based on PVC and their associated polymer: a comprehensive review

Encouraged by the first report of ionic conductivity in 1973 and the consequent boom for the need of clean and green renewable energy resources, there has been a marked increase toward R&D of polymer electrolytes cum separator for energy storage devices. The most suitable alternative to the conventional energy storage devices is battery and it has the potential to fulfill the energy demand and could be used for storing energy produced from different alternative resources, i.e., wind/hydro/solar energy. Electrolyte is a key component of battery that plays a crucial role in its overall performance. The draft of the article is an attempt to present a coherent yet concise review of Li, Na, and Mg batteries using polymer electrolytes. The main topics given focus in this review are an introduction to properties shaping the polymer electrolytes, types of polymer electrolytes, and properties of constituents of polymer electrolytes (polymer host, salt, solvent, ionic liquid, plasticizer, nanofiller, nanoclay, nanorod, nanowire). The approaches to enhance the electrochemical properties are presented with a suitable ion transport mechanism. A special section is introduced to cover dendrite growth and strategies to suppress it. Important preparation methods and characterization techniques are introduced. The synopses of the experimental investigations are presented for ionic liquid/gel/composite polymer electrolytes. Finally, the future outlook highlights the further development for the next-generation energy storage devices.