Polymer Crosslinking Techniques: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Polymer crosslinking is a crucial strategy for enhancing the mechanical, thermal, chemical, and dimensional stability of polymeric materials. It plays a central role in advanced membrane fabrication and energy-related applications, such as fuel cells, batteries, and gas separation systems. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of current crosslinking techniques, including chemical, physical, radiation-induced, and photo/enzymatic methods, with a particular focus on their applications in membrane engineering and energy materials. Recent progress in controlled crosslinking strategies, hybrid approaches, and nanostructured polymers is discussed. Additionally, the review highlights characterization methods for crosslink density and distribution, the challenges associated with scalability and stability, and future directions in designing next-generation crosslinked polymers for high-performance membranes and energy devices. By synthesizing studies from the last five years, this review provides a critical perspective for researchers seeking to optimize polymer crosslinking for advanced functional materials.