ABSTRACT
Due to the increasing demand for the energy at the global level, the development of an advanced, clean, and sustainable energy source has attracted worldwide attention. Also, depletion of the traditional non-renewable energy sources such as fuel, coal, etc., require the urgent implementation of renewable energy sources that can help, sustain the traditional sources, and fulfill the environmental norms. However, to achieve a continuous supply of energy from these sources possess stiff challenges unless until a robust and high-performance storage solution is developed. In this context, the secondary/rechargeable battery has been one of the most promising candidates for energy storage applications. It comprises four components, two electrodes (cathode and anode), a separator (to provide electrical insulation, while facilitating ion mobility), and an electrolyte. Out of the mentioned components, the electrolyte is seeking more attention, as it plays a significant role in battery performance. The conventional/traditional secondary batteries, the electrolyte is usually poured in the organic/inorganic separator that possesses several drawbacks. In order to eliminate the drawback associated with it, hybrid polymer electrolyte (HPE) seems to be more appropriate, which may be at par to full fill the entire requirement in liquid electrolyte based devices. HPE possesses improved structural, electrochemical, and transport properties. These are advanced polymer electrolytes (PEs) as they combine the 94properties of both the organic and inorganic components. This chapter starts with a brief introduction to PEs, and classification of HPEs. A special section has been introduced to explore the challenges in suppressing the dendrite growth formation, which has been one of the most detrimental factors in such devices. Then, several important preparation techniques and advanced characterization techniques have been summarized in brief. Finally, we highlight some key updates in the field of HPEs and provide an emphasis on their application as practical devices.
