Binders play a crucial role in maintaining mechanical integrity of electrodes in lithium-ion batteries. However, the conventional binders lack proper elasticity, and they are not suitable for high-performance silicon anodes featuring huge volume change during cycling. Herein, a poly(siloxane imide) copolymer (PSI) has been designed, synthesized, and utilized as a binder for silicon-based anodes. A rigidness/softness coupling mechanism is demonstrated by the PSI binder, which can accommodate volume expansion of the silicon anode upon lithiation. The electrochemical performance in terms of cyclic stability and rate capability can be effectively improved with the PSI binder as demonstrated by a silicon nanoparticle anode.
Keywords: Binder; Lithium-ion batteries; Poly(siloxane imide); Polyimide; Silicon anodes.
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