polymerized ether-based polymer electrolytes towards practical lithium metal batteries.

Commercial lithium-ion batteries that use flammable liquid electrolytes face significant safety risks, such as fires caused by electrolyte leaks. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) present a viable solution to this problem, with ether-based polymer electrolytes standing out due to their superior stability and compatibility with lithium metal. The ring-opening polymerization of cyclic ether monomers not only simplifies the battery manufacturing process but also improves the solid/solid interfacial contacts between electrolytes and electrodes, thereby significantly reducing interfacial impedance. In this paper, we review the mechanisms of ring-opening polymerization for cyclic ether monomers and analyze the ionic conduction of ether-based polymer electrolytes. We also explore the curing mechanisms for several representative cyclic ether monomers and assess research advancements in this area. Additionally, this paper discusses the sustainability of ether-based polymer electrolytes and provides an outlook on future research and sustainability initiatives in the field.