Sulfated Alginate as an Effective Polymer Binder for High-Voltage LiNi<sub>0.5</sub>Mn<sub>1.5</sub>O<sub>4</sub> Electrodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Asako Oishi, Ryoichi Tatara, Eiichi Togo, Hiroshi Inoue, Satoshi Yasuno, Shinichi Komaba
Abstract
. The effects of binder type on electrode performance were probed by analyzing cycled electrodes using soft/hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The best-performing sulfated binder, sulfated alginate, uniformly covers the surface of LNMO and increased its affinity for the electrolyte. The electrolyte decomposition products generated in the initial charge-discharge cycle on the alginate-covered electrode participated in the formation of a protective passivation layer that suppressed further decomposition during subsequent cycles, resulting in enhanced cycling and rate performances. The results of this study provide a basis for the cost-effective and technically undemanding fabrication of high-energy-density LIBs.