Rechargeable batteries, typically represented by lithium-ion batteries, have taken a huge leap in energy density over the last two decades. However, they still face material/chemical challenges in ensuring safety and long service life at temperatures beyond the optimum range, primarily due to the chemical/electrochemical instabilities of conventional liquid electrolytes against aggressive electrode reactions and temperature variation. In this regard, a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) with its liquid components immobilized and stabilized by a solid matrix, capable of retaining almost all the advantageous natures of the liquid electrolytes and circumventing the interfacial issues that exist in the all-solid-state electrolytes, is of great significance to realize rechargeable batteries with extended working temperature range. We begin this review with the main challenges faced in the development of GPEs, based on extensive literature research and our practical experience. Then, a significant section is dedicated to the requirements and design principles of GPEs for wide-temperature applications, with special attention paid to the feasibility, cost, and environmental impact. Next, the research progress of GPEs is thoroughly reviewed according to the strategies applied. In the end, we outline some prospects of GPEs related to innovations in material sciences, advanced characterizations, artificial intelligence, and environmental impact analysis, hoping to spark new research activities that ultimately bring us a step closer to realizing wide-temperature rechargeable batteries.

中文翻译：

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用于宽温度应用的可充电电池的凝胶聚合物电解质

以锂离子电池为代表的可充电电池在过去二十年中能量密度取得了巨大飞跃。然而，在确保超出最佳范围的温度下的安全性和长使用寿命方面，它们仍然面临材料/化学挑战，这主要是由于传统液体电解质对侵蚀性电极反应和温度变化的化学/电化学不稳定性。在这方面，凝胶聚合物电解质（GPE）的液体成分被固体基质固定和稳定，能够保留液体电解质的几乎所有优点，并避免全固态电解质中存在的界面问题，对于实现可充电电池具有扩展的工作温度范围具有重要意义。基于广泛的文献研究和我们的实践经验，我们首先回顾了 GPE 发展中面临的主要挑战。然后，一个重要的章节致力于宽温应用的 GPE 的要求和设计原则，特别关注可行性、成本和环境影响。接下来，根据所采用的策略，对GPE的研究进展进行全面回顾。最后，我们概述了与材料科学、先进表征、人工智能和环境影响分析等创新相关的 GPE 的一些前景，希望能够激发新的研究活动，最终使我们离实现宽温充电电池又近了一步。