Truly solid polymer electrolyte membranes are designed by thermally induced free radical polymerisation. The overall membrane architecture is built on a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (s-IPN) structure, where a di-methacrylate oligomer is cross-linked (in situ) in the presence of a long thermoplastic. linear PEO chain and a supporting lithium salt to obtain a freestanding, flexible and non-tacky film. In the envisaged systems, the di-methacrylate functions as a soft cross-linker, thus avoiding physico-mechanical deformation of the s-IPNs at elevated temperature, without hampering the ionic conductivity. s-IPNs exhibit remarkable stability towards lithium metal and no traces of impurity are detected while testing their oxidation stability (4.7 V vs. Li/Li+) towards anodic potential. The newly elaborated system is also successfully tested at moderately high temperature in Li metal cells in which LiFePO4/C is used as the cathode active material, showing excellent indications of safe and highly durable electrolyte separator (i.e., 2000 cycles at reasonably high 1C rate). (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved,