Open AccessCoil‐to‐Stretch Transition of Binder Chains Enabled by “Nano‐Combs” to Facilitate Highly Stable SiO x Anode
Author(s) -
Xue Shida,
Fu Yanda,
Song Zhibo,
Chen Shiming,
Ji Yuchen,
Zhao Yan,
Wang Huizhi,
Qian Guoyu,
Yang Luyi,
Pan Feng
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
energy and environmental materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2575-0356
DOI - 10.1002/eem2.12248
Subject(s) - anode , materials science , carboxymethyl cellulose , polymer , electrode , electrical conductor , silicon , slurry , chemical engineering , nano , nanoparticle , composite material , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , sodium , chemistry , engineering , metallurgy
The commercialized binder carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC‐Na) is considered unsuitable for micro‐sized SiO x anode as it cannot endure the large volume change to retain the conductive network during repeated charge/discharge cycles. Herein, a small amount of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) is added during slurry preparation process as “nano‐combs” to unfold the convoluted CMC‐Na polymer chains so that they undergo a coil‐to‐stretch transition by interaction between polar groups (e.g., –OH, –COONa) of polymer and SiNPs’ large surface. Through maximizing the utilization of binders, a uniform conductive network is constructed with increased interfacial contact with micro‐sized SiO x . As a result, the SiO x electrode with optimized (10 wt%) SiNPs addition shows significantly improved initial capacity and cycling performance. Through revisiting CMC‐Na, a currently deemed unqualified binder in SiO x anode, this work gives a brand‐new perspective on the failing mechanism of Si‐based anode materials and an improving strategy for electrode preparation.