Sustainable solutions: Harnessing natural-synthetic hybrid polymers as superior gel electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries

The mounting demand for high-performance, safe, and sustainable energy storage systems has fortified the research on advanced gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This review explores the development and applications of GPEs based on natural and synthetic hybrid polymer electrolytes for LIBs, emphasizing the integration of natural and synthetic polymers. Combining the renewable and biodegradable properties of natural polymers with the high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength of synthetic polymers, hybrid GPEs offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional liquid electrolytes, making them particularly suitable for smart and flexible electronics. This review establishes a design framework for these hybrid systems to resolve the core sustainability-performance trade-off. We critically analyze interfacial synergy and the material compatibility paradox, providing a strategic pathway to next-generation batteries that are both high-performance and eco-friendly.