The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Covalent adaptable network (CAN)-based polymer electrolytes exhibit thermal reversibility, enabling unique functionalities such as self-healing and lithium salt recyclability. In this study, we synthesized a polymer electrolyte based on the Diels-Alder reaction and demonstrated its self-healing capability and lithium salt reuse, while maintaining comparable ionic conductivity and mechanical properties after electrolyte reprocessing. Furthermore, we integrated the electrolyte as a binder in the cathode to fabricate a composite cathode material. The self-healing behavior at the interface between the cathode and the polymer electrolyte significantly improved interfacial resistance, highlighting the potential of this approach for advanced lithium metal batteries (LMBs). These findings underscore the versatility and practical applicability of Diels-Alder-driven CAN-based polymer electrolytes for next-generation energy storage systems.