Aqueous binder for nanostructured carbon anode materials for Li-ion batteries

Water soluble hydrophilic polymer poly-N-vinylformamide (PNVF) has been adopted as new binder for selected anode materials based on nanostructured carbon aerogels (CAGs) derived from different types of starch (rice, maize, potato) as well as for graphite as a reference. The results suggest that PNVF can be promising, fluorine free and volatile organic compounds (VOC) free binder for some anode materials especially when taking into consideration its beneficial properties, cost reduction as well as environmental friendliness. PNVF enhances chemical and physical interactions with tested carbons improving adhesion strength of the created composites and thus capacity retention of the formed electrodes during extensive cycling under high current load. Herein, we show that although the binder is only a small part of the entire electrode composition, it has a huge impact on the properties and efficiency of lithium-ion battery. Thereby, every anode material require properly selected binder for the suitable operation and performance of the cell.