Polymeric Binders Used in Lithium Ion Batteries: Actualities, Strategies and Trends

Abstract Polymeric binders account for only a small part of the electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries, but contribute an important role of adhesion and cohesion in the electrodes during charge/discharge processes to maintain the integrity of the electrode structure. Therefore, polymeric binders have become one of the key materials to improve the charge/discharge properties of lithium‐ion batteries. Qualified polymer binders should not only require good bond strength, mechanical properties, conductivity, chemical functionality and processing performance, but also be environmentally friendly and low cost. The existing commercial polymeric binders cannot meet all the above requirements at the same time. This is a hot research area that researchers are keen to focus on, and it is hoped that through structural design, the matching of functional groups can meet the requirements of high‐capacity lithium‐ion batteries with long cycle life. Focusing on the structural design of polymer binders, the mechanism of interaction with electrode materials, and the functional properties of polymer binders, this review summarizes the polymer binders used in the cathode and anode in recent years. It could expect that this review can inspire a deep consideration on these critical issues, paving new pathways to improve comprehensive performance of polymer binders.