Designing Advanced Polymeric Binders for High‐Performance Rechargeable Sodium Batteries

Abstract Supply restrictions and associated price increase of lithium limit the large‐scale application of rechargeable lithium batteries (RLBs) in electric energy storage. Rechargeable sodium batteries (RSBs) with the advantage of large abundance and low cost of sodium, are developed to relieve the supply pressure of RLBs. Binders serve as a bridge between active materials and other components to maintain electrode integrity and electrical contact; however, they have not been sufficiently explored in RSBs. In this review, the working mechanism of binders for RSBs is proposed and more desirable features of RSB binders than their RLB counterparts are emphasized. The development history and recent progress of binders for RSBs are outlined. It is highlighted that the matching principles of binders to different electrode materials are proposed. Advanced characterization and simulation techniques are presented to interpret the electrochemical findings and reveal the working mechanism of novel binders in various electrodes of RSBs. Finally, perspectives on the development of effective binders for RSBs are presented.