Conducting polymer composites as water-dispersible electrode matrices for Li-Ion batteries: Synthesis and characterization

As battery materials increase in energy density, the likelihood of larger morphological changes during cycling increases. Current PVDF/carbon electrode matrices are ill-prepared for such materials and new battery electrode matrices are required. Typical strategies replace PVDF by aqueous binders, utilize other carbonaceous conducive additives or add small amounts of conducing polymers. In this study, we propose a class of water-processable, self-conducive electrode matrices that relies on the combination of polyelectrolyte binders with conducing polymers. By in situ polymerizing conducing polymer monomers in an aqueous solution of carboxylate-containing polymers, new electrode matrices are synthesized, in which components are intimately mixed a the nano-scale. Herein, the molecular composite polypyrrole:carboxymethyl cellulose (PPy:CMC), as a representative electrode matrix, allows the water-based electrode fabrication of carbon-additive-free electrodes. No additional binders and conducive additives are required to fabricate electrodes due to the adhesive and conducive features of PPy:CMC composites. This study paves the way for developing a promising type of electrode matrices for Li-ion batteries based on conducing polymer molecular composites that are adhesive and conducive, ensuring high-energy-density battery materials maintain active over more cycles.