Mechanical properties vs. interaction strength: Comprehensive understanding of aqueous binders’ formulation on Si-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries

The present study focuses on the effect of using different aqueous based binders, prepared in basic and acidic medium, on the electrochemical performance of silicon nanoparticle-based anodes. The slurries were prepared with sodium alginate (ALG), polyacrylic acid (PAA) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) at different pHs (3.00 and 10.00), and compared with the standard PVDF binder. In order to analyze the interactions present in each case thermogravimetric analysis, rheological characterization, SEM, and XPS studies were carried out. The impact of the viscosity and different functional groups present in each polymer on the electrochemical performance was also thoroughly evaluated.