Binder Effects on Si-Alloy Electrode Performance

Abstract

Si-based anodes have been investigated to improve the energy density of Li-ion batteries due to their high volumetric capacity. However, huge volume changes of Si-based materials can cause severe particle fracture, leading to cell fade. Good binders for Si-based electrodes are expected to inhibit particle disconnection during cycling and simultaneously enhance cell performance. This work comprises several binder projects of interest for Si-based materials. For instance, how to improve the Si-alloy cell cycling performance by either chemical or rheological means. Then a feasible way to study the alloy electrode fading mechanism via SEM imaging was investigated. Some new binder systems such as molecular binders and inorganic binders for Si-alloy electrodes were also explored. Finally, future work is introduced. As a result of this work, new insights into alloy fade and completely new binder chemistries were discovered. This suggests many new directions in Si-alloy anode research for improving electrode performance.