Dual-functional gum arabic binder for silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ling, Min; Xu, Yanan; Zhao, Hui; Gu, Xingxing; Qiu, Jingxia; Li, Sheng; Wu, Mingyan; Song, Xiangyun; Yan, Cheng; Liu, Gao; Zhang, Shanqing
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 12(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 178
• Page End: 185
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Fibers reinforcement -- High capacity silicon electrodes -- Water-based binders -- Lithium-ion batteries; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2014.12.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Si has attracted enormous research and manufacturing attention as an anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high specific capacity. The lack of a low cost and effective mechanism to prevent the pulverization of Si electrodes during the lithiation/delithiation process has been a major barrier in the mass production of Si anodes. Naturally abundant gum arabic (GA), composed of polysaccharides and glycoproteins, is applied as a dual-function binder to address this dilemma. Firstly, the hydroxyl groups of the polysaccharide in GA are crucial in ensuring strong binding to Si. Secondly, similar to the function of fiber in fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC), the long chain glycoproteins provide further mechanical tolerance to dramatic volume expansion by Si nanoparticles. The resultant Si anodes present an outstanding capacity of ca. 2000 mAh/g at a 1 C rate and 1000 mAh/g at 2 C rate, respectively, throughout 500 cycles. Excellent long-term stability is demonstrated by the maintenance of 1000 mAh/g specific capacity at 1 C rate for over 1000 cycles. This low cost, naturally abundant and environmentally benign polymer is a promising binder for LIBs in the future. Graphical abstract: Gum Arabic (GA), a natural polymer, composed of polysaccharide and glycoprotein, is applied as a binder for silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). An outstanding rate capability for the Si anode of ca. 2000 mAh/g (1C) and 1000 mAh/g (2C) is achieved throughout 500 cycles due to the dual-functions of the binder: the polysaccharide contributes to strong binding force while the glycoprotein provides outstanding tolerance of volume expansion. Highlights: Gum Arabic, a natural abundant and environmentally benign polymer is successfully used as an efficient binder for Si anodes in lithium ion batteries for the first time. The fiber reinforcement mechanism in concrete is adopted explain dramatically enhancement of mechanical strength and flexibility of the Si electrode. The resultant Si anodes demonstrate outstanding energy capacity and excellent stability. This polymer binder system is a promising generic water-based polymer binder for lithium ion batteries.