Journal Article

An Alternative Polymer Material to PVDF Binder and Carbon Additive in Li‐Ion Battery Positive Electrode

Brochon, Cyril, Cabannes‐Boue, Benjamin, Croguennec, Laurence, Nugraha, Ivone Marselina, Bousquet, Mélanie, Bianchini Nuernberg, Rafael, Cloutet, Éric, Flahaut, Delphine, Olchowka, Jacob

2024

Overview

Li‐ion battery performance relies fundamentally on modulation at the microstructure and interface levels of the composite electrodes. Correspondingly, the binder is a crucial component for mechanical integrity of the electrode, serving to interconnect the active material and conductive additive and to firmly attach this composite to the current collector. However, the commonly used poly(vinylidenefluoride) (PVDF) binder presents several limitations, including the use of toxic solvent during processing, a low electrical conductivity which for compensation requires the addition of carbon black, and weak interactions with active materials and collectors. This study investigates Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly[(4‐styrenesulfonyl) (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide] (PEDOT:PSSTFSI) as an alternative binder and conductive additive, in replacement of both PVDF and carbon black, in Li‐ion batteries with LiFe0.4Mn0.6PO4 at the positive electrode. Complex PEDOT:PSSTFSI significantly improves the electronic conductivity and lithium diffusion coefficient within the electrode, in comparison to standard PVDF binder and carbon black. This enhances significantly the electrochemical performance at high C‐rates and for high active mass loading electrodes. Furthermore, an excellent long‐range cyclability is achieved. Binders in Li‐ion battery play an important role to ensure mechanical integrity and interface modulation of electrodes. This study explores PEDOT:PSSTFSI as an alternative mixed conductive binder in positive electrodes. The use of this polymer enhances conductivity and lithium diffusion, facilitates faster charge/discharge rates at high current densities, and promotes stability over extended cycles. These results introduce a new binder to substitute both PVDF and carbon black in conventional formulations.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Wiley Open Access,John Wiley and Sons Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Additives / Carbon / Chemical Sciences / Electrodes / Electrolytes / Energy storage / Li‐ion battery positive electrode / Material chemistry / Mechanical properties / mixed conducting polymer / olivine LiFe1‐yMnyPO4 / Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) / polymer binder / Polymerization / Polymers