Gel polymer electrolytes bridging safety and high energy density in advanced lithium batteries

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are emerging electrolyte platforms for lithium batteries requiring both safety and high energy density. This Perspective discusses how GPEs enhance safety under normal and abusive conditions by suppressing gas evolution, interphase degradation, ignition, and thermal runaway. We further examine their roles in enabling thin lithium-metal anodes and high-voltage cathodes through interphase regulation, controlled ion transport, uniform gelation, thick-electrode transport, and scalable E-beam processing.