Xanthan gum with double-helix structure as a novel aqueous binder to stabilize lithium-rich cathode

Lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials have the advantages of high specific capacity and operating voltage, but they still pose some problems such as poor cycle performance and serious voltage fading. Here, xanthan gum (XG) with double-helix structure has been investigated as a novel aqueous binder to improve the electrochemical performance of Li[Li0.2Co0.13Ni0.13Mn0.54]O2. When the mass proportion of XG is 5%, the prepared lithium-rich cathode shows the highest specific capacity and best cycle stability. After cycling, the discharge voltage of the lithium-rich cathode decreases by only 273 mV, indicating that XG can effectively inhibit the voltage fading of the lithium-rich material.