Accelerating the Battery Revolution with Next-Generation Polymeric Materials

The rapid evolution of rechargeable battery technology requires not only breakthroughs in electrochemical materials but also continuous innovation in polymer science. As batteries become safer, higher in energy density, and more reliable, polymers are evolving from passive supporting materials into multifunctional components that dictate battery performance, safety, and manufacturability. This keynote highlights the pivotal role of advanced polymer materials in diverse battery applications and aims at promoting more proactive engagement of the Polymer Society in developing enabling materials for next-generation battery technologies.

First, the presentation will discuss recent advances in emerging polymer binders for high-capacity silicon anodes, where molecular design strategies improve mechanical integrity, accommodate severe volume expansion, and stabilize silicon-electrolyte interphases for long-term cycling. Functional polymer coatings for separators and polymeric interfacial engineering for active materials, let alone shrinkage-free separators will also be introduced as key technologies to enhance the electrochemical stability, thermal resistance, and high-voltage performance. Furthermore, high-performance polymer materials for battery modules and packs, such as structural adhesives, electrical insulation materials, flame-retardant coatings, and high-strength protective coatings, will be presented as essential elements for improving the battery safety, durability, and system reliability.

Looking beyond conventional lithium-ion batteries, the lecture will also address the growing importance of polymer materials in next generation batteries. Solid polymer electrolytes, gel polymer electrolytes, and polymer-ceramic composite electrolytes offer promising solutions to further improve the safety while enabling lithium-metal batteries with higher energy density. Advances in polymer molecular design and interface/interphase engineering are expected to play a central role in overcoming challenges related to ionic conductivity and interfacial stability.

Finally, the presentation will emphasize the importance of sustainable polymer technologies, including water-based processing, environmentally friendly binder systems, recyclable polymer platforms, and low-carbon manufacturing processes. By integrating academic insights with industrial R&D experience, this keynote will demonstrate that polymer science is becoming a key enabling technology across the entire battery value chain, from molecular interface/interphase design to cell, module, and pack engineering. Continuous innovation in advanced polymer materials will accelerate the commercialization of safer, longer-lasting, higher-energy, and more sustainable batteries, supporting the global transition toward an electrified and carbon-neutral future.