Recent Advances on Polyoxometalate‐Based Ion‐Conducting Electrolytes for Energy‐Related Devices

Solid‐state electrolytes have attracted considerable attention in new energy‐related devices due to their high safety and broad application platform. Polyoxometalates (POMs) are a kind of molecular‐level cluster compounds with unique structures. In recent years, owing to their abundant physicochemical properties (including high ionic conductivity and reversible redox activity), POMs have shown great potential in becoming a new generation of solid‐state electrolytes. In this review, an overview is investigated about how POMs have evolved as ion‐conducting materials from basic research to novel solid‐state electrolytes in energy devices. First, some expressive POM‐based ion‐conducting materials in recent years are introduced and classified, mainly inspecting their structural and functional relationship. After that, it is further focused on the application of these ion‐conducting electrolytes in the fields of proton exchange membranes, supercapacitors, and ion batteries. In addition, some properties of POMs (such as inherent dimension, capable of forming stable hydrogen bonds, and reversible bonding to water molecules) enable these functional POM‐based electrolytes to be employed in innovative applications such as ion selection, humidity sensing, and smart materials. Finally, some fundamental recommendations are given on the current opportunities and challenges of POM‐based ion‐conducting electrolytes.