Hydrogel Polymer Electrolytes: Property Function Relationships and Evaluations of Market Readiness

This research explores hydrogel polymer electrolytes (HPEs) as a next-generation alternative to conventional liquid and solid electrolytes in battery systems, with a particular focus on zinc-ion batteries. The paper investigates how the structural and chemical properties of hydrogels influence mechanical strength, ionic conductivity, self-healing ability, and thermal stability. By analyzing existing experimental literature, it demonstrates how hydrogel-based electrolytes can mitigate common battery issues such as dendrite growth, interfacial instability, and mechanical degradation, which often limit the lifespan and safety of traditional batteries.

The study examines the structure–property relationships of HPEs, including polymer network design, crosslinking strategies, and the role of dynamic bonding mechanisms such as hydrogen bonding, metal–ligand coordination, and reversible covalent interactions. It explains how tuning these parameters enables a balance between flexibility, durability, and ion transport efficiency. Special emphasis is placed on zinc-ion batteries, where HPEs help suppress hydrogen evolution reactions, stabilize electrode interfaces, and maintain conductivity across a wide temperature range. The paper also highlights advancements in self-healing hydrogels and antifreeze strategies that expand operational stability under mechanical stress and extreme temperatures.

Beyond performance, the research evaluates the commercial and environmental feasibility of HPE-based batteries. It argues that zinc-based systems offer cost, safety, and sustainability advantages over lithium-based technologies due to material abundance and reduced thermal risk. Overall, the paper concludes that hydrogel polymer electrolytes represent a promising pathway toward safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable energy storage solutions, though further optimization is needed to overcome remaining challenges in scalability, mechanical robustness, and long-term stability.