Polymeric Frontiers in Next-Generation Energy Storage: Bridging Molecular Design, Multifunctionality, and Device Applications Across Batteries, Supercapacitors, Solid-State Systems, and Beyond

Abstract

Polymer materials have become promising candidates for next-generation energy storage, with structural tunability, multifunctionality, and compatibility with a variety of device platforms. They have a molecular design capable of customizing ion and electron transport routes, integrating redox-active species, and enhancing interfacial stability, surpassing the drawbacks of traditional inorganic systems. New developments have been made in multifunctional polymers that have the ability to combine conductivity, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and self-healing into a single scaffold system, which is useful in battery, supercapacitor, and solid-state applications. By incorporating polymers with carbon nanostructures, ceramics, or two-dimensional materials, hybrid polymer nanocomposites improve electrochemical performance, durability, and mechanical compliance, and the solid polymer electrolytes, as well as artificial solid electrolyte interphases, resolve dendrite growth and safety issues. The multifunctionality also extends to flexibility, stretchability, and miniaturization, which implies that polymers are suitable for use in wearable devices and biomedical devices. At the same time, sustainable polymer innovation focuses on bio-based feedstocks, which can be recycled, and green synthesis pathways. Polymer discovery using artificial intelligence and machine learning is faster than standard methods, predicts structure–property–performance relationships, and can be rationally engineered. Although there are difficulties in stability during long periods, scalability, and trade-offs between indeedness and mechanical endurance, polymers are a promising avenue with regard to dependable, safe, and sustainable power storage. This review presents the molecular strategies, multifunctional uses, and prospects, where polymers are at the center of the next-generation energy technologies.