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Page 16 of 21 Guo et al. Energy Mater. 2025, 5, 500041 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/energymater.2024.214

CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK
Significant advancements have been made in surface modification, in-situ characterization, and theoretical
simulation methods for enhancing the performance and safety of polymer-based lithium batteries. Rational
surface modification designs can significantly improve the stability and adhesion of the SEI, thereby
reducing the growth of lithium dendrites. In-situ characterization techniques provide robust support for
real-time monitoring of battery performance, facilitating a deeper understanding of battery operating and
performance degradation mechanisms. Theoretical simulation methods offer new tools for battery design
and optimization, aiding in the prediction of battery performance and optimization of material selection.
However, there are still challenges pertaining to the aforementioned three advanced approaches, and the
following is a specific analysis of these challenges:

In terms of polymer-based lithium battery surface treatment, advanced nanotechnology, surface coating
technology, chemical modification techniques, and other means need to be employed to optimize interface
performance. The application of these technologies not only increases production costs but also raises the
difficulty of production. Furthermore, while current surface modification methods can suppress the growth
of lithium dendrites to a certain extent, their effectiveness is limited, and it is difficult to maintain stability
over long-term cycling.

In-situ characterization techniques need to simultaneously meet the requirements of real-time performance
and high accuracy, which poses significant technical challenges. Moreover, in-situ characterization
equipment is often complex and costly, limiting its widespread application. Importantly, the volume of data
generated by in-situ characterization techniques is immense and complex, encompassing various types of
information such as images, spectra, signals, and more. Effectively integrating this information and
extracting the critical factors that impact battery performance poses a significant challenge.

The interface issues in polymer-based solid-state lithium batteries, such as surface contact and interface
reactions between the polymer electrolyte and electrodes, are critical factors affecting battery performance.
However, the complexity of these interface problems poses significant challenges for theoretical modeling
and computation. The physicochemical properties at the interface are difficult to accurately describe, and
the kinetic processes of interface reactions are challenging to precisely simulate, leading to notable
discrepancies between theoretical simulation results and experimental observations. Currently, the
computational models employed for theoretical simulations and calculations of polymer-based solid-state
lithium batteries are mostly based on simplified assumptions and approximations, making it difficult to fully
capture the intricate physical and chemical processes within the battery. For instance, some models may
overlook crucial factors such as the ion transport mechanisms within the polymer chains and charge
transfer processes at the interfaces, resulting in less accurate simulation outcomes.

In summary, polymer-based lithium batteries demonstrate immense potential in the field of energy storage,
yet their development still faces numerous challenges. Further research should be conducted to delve into
the chemical composition and structure of interface modification, aiming to enhance the adhesion and
stability of the SEI. More advanced in-situ characterization technologies should be developed to improve the
accuracy and real-time performance of data acquisition. Additionally, the integration of theoretical
simulations with experimental verifications should be strengthened to enhance the accuracy and reliability
of simulation results. Through continuous technological innovations, material improvements, and
optimization of production processes, it is anticipated that those challenges can be overcome, propelling
polymer-based lithium batteries towards higher energy densities, longer lifespans, enhanced safety and
reliability, as well as more environmentally friendly and sustainable development.