Revisit the Progress of Binders for a Silicon-Based Anode from the Perspective of Designed Binder Structure and Special Sized Silicon Nanoparticles

Si-based anodes have the advantages of high energy density and abundant reserve. However, their severe volume change during the charge–discharge process leads to particles’ pulverization and electrode destruction, which hinder their commercial application. Nanostructured Si is effective at relieving the expansion strain, and binders with a small proportion have been proven to play a pivotal role in maintaining the Si-based electrode integration. Si nanoparticles of various sizes show different particuological behaviors, including distribution, aggregation, etc. Moreover, the binders with specific molecular structure also have unique bonding characteristics with Si particles of different sizes. Except the aforementioned aspects, the process techniques of Si nanoparticles and binders also greatly affect the electrode. Though some pioneering reviews about the progress of binders for Si-based anodes have been published, in order to boost the practical application of Si-based anodes, it is urgent to revisit the previous investigations to clarify the correlation of the particle size, binder structure, and process techniques.