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Sustainable Protein-Based Binder for Lithium-Sulfur Cathodes Processed by a Solvent-Free Dry-Coating Method
Florian Schmidt1,2, Sebastian Kirchhoff1,2, Karin Jägle2
1Inorganic Chemistry I, Technical University Dresden, Bergstraße 66, 01069, Dresden, Germany.
Chemsuschem
|September 28, 2022
Summary
Researchers replaced fluorine-based binders in lithium-sulfur batteries with biodegradable sericin. This maintains performance in solvent-free processed electrodes, enhancing sustainability for next-generation energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Sustainable Energy
Background:
- Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries offer high theoretical specific energy and utilize abundant materials, making them promising for next-generation energy storage.
- Current solvent-free electrode manufacturing (DRYtraec®) typically relies on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which contains fluorine and is less sustainable.
- Reducing fluorine content and improving electrode processing sustainability are key challenges for Li-S battery technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using a renewable, biodegradable, fluorine-free polypeptide binder (sericin) in solvent-free processed Li-S battery cathodes.
- To evaluate the electrochemical performance and cycle stability of Li-S cells utilizing sericin-based cathodes.
- To compare the performance of sericin-based cathodes with traditional PTFE-based cathodes under various electrolyte conditions.
Main Methods:
- Solvent-free electrode manufacturing using sericin as a binder for sulfur/carbon cathodes.
- Electrochemical evaluation of coin and pouch cells with sericin-based cathodes.
- Testing under lean electrolyte conditions using standard (DME/DOL) and alternative (HME/DOL, TMS/TTE) electrolytes.
Main Results:
- Successful replacement of PTFE binder with biodegradable sericin in solvent-free processed sulfur/carbon cathodes.
- Maintained cycle stability and electrochemical performance of Li-S cells using sericin-based cathodes compared to PTFE-based ones.
- Demonstrated compatibility of sericin binder with different electrolyte systems, including those with reduced polysulfide solubility.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable sericin is a viable fluorine-free alternative to PTFE for solvent-free electrode manufacturing in Li-S batteries.
- The use of sericin enhances the sustainability of Li-S battery production without compromising electrochemical performance.
- This advancement paves the way for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective Li-S energy storage solutions.
