Quinone-Imine Enhanced PVA Binder: A Universal Strategy for High-Loading Electrodes With Low Binder Content in...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Phosphorus/carbon (P/C) composites are high-capacity anode materials for next-generation batteries.
• Significant volume expansion during cycling limits their practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel polymer binder system to mitigate volume changes in P/C anodes.
• To enhance the electrochemical performance and cycling stability of P/C anodes.

Main Methods:

• A composite binder of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and benzoquinone imine (BQI) was synthesized.
• The binder's viscoelasticity, adhesion, and ionic conductivity were characterized.
• P/C electrodes with the novel binder were fabricated and tested in lithium/sodium-ion battery configurations.

Main Results:

• The PVA/BQI binder exhibited superior dynamic viscoelasticity and strong adhesion, accommodating volume changes during cycling.
• Electrodes showed improved ionic conductivity and uniform distribution of active materials.
• P/C anodes with 5 wt% binder loading achieved an areal capacity of 10.20 mAh cm^-2 and 71.26% capacity retention after 60 cycles.

Conclusions:

• The novel PVA/BQI binder system significantly enhances the cycling performance of P/C anodes.
• This binder addresses key limitations hindering the practical application of phosphorus-based anodes.
• The findings pave the way for more durable and high-performance energy storage devices.