Are polymers the key to lithium investments?

A lithium ion polymer battery used by NASA

If the future of the automobile, for instance, is electrification, then batteries are the key to the auto industry, and everyone in the auto industry is now running towards lithium. Nonetheless, the exact chemistry's that make lithium viable for autos are in question.

Today, Technology Review has a pretty interesting piece on Seeo, Inc. and their latest use of "thin films of polymer as the electrolyte and high-energy-density, light-weight electrodes" which result in "safer, longer-lasting, lighter, and cheaper" batteries.

While some critics maintain that polymer electrolytes are not feasible for quick charge hybrids because of low ionic conductivity, the fact that Hyundai seems prepared to bet its hybrid future on related technology is quite interesting.

Even if lithium polymer isn't the key to the automobile, lithium polymers will be an important part of the future battery industry, and it could be another way to enjoy green investing.