The Sustainable Potential of Single‐Ion Conducting Polymers

• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202500055
• Publication Date: 2025-03-11T22:14:25Z
• Authors: Freddie J. Leslie; Kieran G. Stakem; Georgina L. Gregory

Energy storage technologies are critical for sustainable development, with electrolyte materials playing a decisive role in performance and safety. Single‐ion conducting polymers (SICPs) represent distinct class characterized by selective ion transport through immobilized ionic groups. While their potential battery applications is recognized, an analysis of sustainability implications pathways to practical implementation has been lacking. This work demonstrates how strategic design SICPs can contribute energy both development device integration. Recent advances lithium borate‐based systems CO2‐derived polycarbonate architectures have achieved conductivities exceeding 10‐4 S cm‐1 at room temperature scalable synthesis routes. In metal batteries, high transference numbers viscoelastic properties enable stable cycling industrial‐relevant cathode loadings, while as electrode binders, they aqueous processing enhanced interfacial stability. Their versatility extends chemistries, including sodium zinc systems. Analysis reveals that enhance improved performance, processability, recyclability, opportunities remain investigating end‐of‐life management. highlights frameworks advancing SICP maintaining the requirements next‐generation storage.