Partially Carbonized Polymer Binder with Polymer Dots for Silicon Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract Large‐scale applications of conventional conductive binders for silicon (Si) anodes are challenging to accomplish due to their complex synthesis steps and high cost. Herein, a carbonized polymer dots‐assisted polyvinyl alcohol‐chitosan (PVA‐CS‐CPDs) binder is developed through a simple and low‐cost hydrothermal method. Through rational design, the PVA‐CS‐CPDs binder retains rich polar groups while forming conjugated structures. The conjugated structure endows the PVA‐CS‐CPDs with high electronic conductivity, and the retained polar groups maintain strong binding strength. The proposed water‐soluble binding system acts as both a binder and conductive additive, enabling stable cycling for high‐Si‐content (90 wt.%) anodes without any other conductive additives.