The Sustainable Potential of Single‐Ion Conducting Polymers

Energy storage technologies are critical for sustainable development, with electrolyte materials playing a decisive role in performance and safety. Single-ion conducting polymers (SICPs) represent a distinct materials class characterized by selective ion transport through immobilized ionic groups. While their potential for battery applications is recognized, an analysis of their sustainability implications and pathways to practical implementation has been lacking. This work demonstrates how strategic design of SICPs can contribute to sustainable energy storage through both materials' development and device integration. Recent advances in lithium borate-based systems and CO₂-derived polycarbonate architectures have achieved ionic conductivities exceeding 10^-4 S cm^-1 at room temperature through scalable synthesis routes. In lithium-metal batteries, their high transference numbers and viscoelastic properties enable stable cycling with industrial-relevant cathode loadings, while as electrode binders, they enable aqueous processing and enhanced interfacial stability. Their versatility extends to sustainable chemistries, including sodium and zinc systems. Analysis reveals that while SICPs can enhance energy storage sustainability through improved performance, processability, and potential recyclability, opportunities remain in investigating end-of-life management. This work highlights frameworks for advancing SICP sustainability while maintaining the performance requirements for practical implementation in next-generation energy storage.