Fluoro-Functionalized Polyether Electrolytes Enabling High-Energy-Density Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries

Abstract

Due to their non-flammability, remarkable flexibility, ease of processing, and design versatility, polymer-based electrolytes containing polyethers have emerged as pivotal materials for high-energy-density and safe lithium-metal batteries. Although polyethers provide sufficient sites for Li⁺ transport through ether-oxygen coordination, they still exhibit low room temperature ionic conductivity and poor oxidation stability, which remains a critical obstacle to the commercialization of lithium-metal batteries. Given fluorine's strong electronegativity and the excellent stability of C–F bonds, fluorination strategies have proven effective in enhancing the oxidative stability of polymer-based electrolytes and extending the cycling life of lithium-metal batteries. Notably, incorporating fluorine into ether-based polymer-based electrolytes can simultaneously improve ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, and the formation of stable electrode/electrolyte interfaces. In this review, we comprehensively examine the design of fluoro-functionalized polyether electrolytes for advanced lithium-metal batteries and their impact on battery performance. Our primary objectives are to elucidate the structure–property relationships of fluoro-functionalized polyether electrolytes and to explore their mechanisms in improving interfacial stability and electrochemical performance. Furthermore, we discuss the key challenges and future development directions of fluoro-functionalized polyether electrolytes for solid-state lithium-metal battery applications, and propose practical strategies to address these issues.

Keywords

electrolyte / fluorine / lithium-metal battery / polyether / solid-state electrolyte

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2026 The Author(s). Energy & Environmental Materials published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Zhengzhou University.