In Situ Acoustic Diagnostics of Particle-Binder Interactions in Battery Electrodes

The high phase-transformation strain developed upon intercalation in the host particles of a composite battery electrode affects the polymeric binder network mechanically, deteriorating the electrode cycling performance. Here, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (EQCM-D) is used to demonstrate a new strain-accommodation mechanism, in high-strain NaFePO4/PVdF electrodes, via relaxation of the binder network surrounding the intercalation particles. Complete mechanical degradation of the polymer network occurs during long-term cycling of NaFePO4 electrodes in aqueous solutions (hard and tough behavior). In contrast, in aprotic solutions, a softened binder easily accommodates the high transformation strain, ensuring excellent electrode cycling performance (soft and tough behavior). Quantification of the high-frequency viscoelastic properties of an operating composite electrode linked to the binder's fracture toughness ensures fast and facile screening of the optimal polymeric binder/electrolyte solution combinations. This methodology should be extremely important for optimization of cycling performance of Li-Si anodes undergoing huge volume changes during cycling.