(Invited) SiO and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Composite Electrodes with Functional Polymer Binders
Authors: Tatara Ryoichi , Yamazaki Shogo , Tomoi Yuto , Oishi Asako , Komaba Shinichi 
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on the optimization of polymer binders in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) to facilitate the development of high-energy-density storage devices. Despite 30 years of commercialization, the demand for high energy density storage devices has continued to increase, making LIBs a topic of significant research interest. One major avenue of research has focused on high-voltage positive electrode materials such as LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) and high-capacity negative electrode materials like SiO. However, the practical use of these materials is hindered by issues associated with electrolyte decomposition and large volume changes during the charge-discharge process.

To address these challenges, we explored the chemistry of polymer binders blended in composite electrodes to maintain the structure of the electrode and form a passivation/protective layer on the active material surface to suppress side reactions.(1, 2) In particular, we investigated the use of "functional binders" to improve the performance of high-voltage LNMO composite electrodes. We synthesized sulfated alginate binders, which are significantly cheaper and stiffer than commonly used poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) and uniformly cover the surface of LNMO.(3)The high polarity of the sulfate group also increased the binder's affinity for the electrolyte. During the initial charge-discharge cycle, the electrolyte decomposition products generated on the alginate-covered active materials participated in the formation of a protective passivation layer that suppressed further decomposition during subsequent cycles, resulting in enhanced cycling and rate performances.

We also explored the use of partially-neutralized crosslinked sodium polyacrylate (CLPA) binders with flexible monomers to mitigate the effects of volume changes in SiO electrodes.(4)Additionally, we investigated the “maturation” effects on battery performances by storing the composite electrodes with CLPA-based binders in a humid atmosphere for a few days before drying. Our results show that the binder with 20% flexible monomer (CLPA-20) exhibited the highest peel strength and long-term cyclability, and the maturation treatment further improved these properties. Cross-sectional SEM images revealed that the binder and conductive carbon were uniformly dispersed in the composite layer in the matured electrodes, indicating the migration of active materials and binders during the maturation process. Furthermore, surface analysis of the cycled electrode showed that the superior mechanical properties of the electrode endowed by the maturation treatment helped in maintaining the passivation layer on the active material surface, resulting in improved cycling performance.

Overall, our findings suggest that optimizing polymer binders can enhance the performance of LIBs by controlling the electrode reaction via binder chemistry. The strategies developed in this study could facilitate the future development of high-energy-density LIBs, making them more accessible and commercially viable for various applications.

References

(1) R. Tatara, S. Komaba et al., ChemElectroChem, 8, 4345 (2021).

(2) H. Isozumi, R. Tatara, S. Komaba et al., ACS Appl. Energy Mater., 3, 7978 (2020).

(3) A. Oishi, R. Tatara, S. Komaba et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 14, 51808 (2022).

(4) S. Yamazaki, R. Tatara, S. Komaba et al., Mater. Adv., 4, 1637 (2023).