Gel polymer electrolytes for lithium sulfur batteries: synthesis and advanced characterization techniques

The application of Gel-polymer electrolyte (GPE) provides a promising scheme for improving the safety of lithium-sulfur batteries and inhibiting the shuttle effect. The gel polymer electrolyte can improve the charge transfer obstruction and uneven lithium deposition caused by the high interface impedance between the all-solid electrolyte and the double electrode, and effectively solve the defects such as fast capacity decay and poor cycle stability. In this paper, two different technological means, in-situ polymerization and non-in-situ polymerization, are introduced for the preparation of gel polymer electrolytes in lithium-sulfur batteries. The methods of improving the gel polymer electrolyte base by different synthetic processes are described, and the "benefits" brought by different processes are analyzed, and the application of real-time and accurate in-situ characterization instruments in lithium-sulfur batteries is introduced. It is pointed out that in situ advanced characterization technology can guide the electrode material design of lithium sulfur battery and provide researchers with more suitable synthesis technology of gel polymer electrolyte for industrialization.