Titania-Based Freestanding Electronically Conductive Electrospun Anodes with Enhanced Performance for Li-Ion Batteries

A conductive composite binder made of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and polyethylene oxide is utilized in a freestanding electrospun anode, loaded with high amounts of TiO2 for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). This kind of conductive binder polymer which enhances the performance of the cell is used for the first time. To prove the superior characteristics of these PEDOT:PSS binder-based electrodes, the polyvinylidene fluoride-based fibrous anode was also prepared by electrospinning. The electrospinning condition was thoroughly investigated and optimized to reach a robust fully covered fibrous network. The performed electrochemical characterizations show that PEDOT:PSS is electrochemically active and leads to an increased gravimetric capacity up to about 302 mA h/g at 0.2 C. After 100 cycles, PEDOT:PSS-based anodes showed a stable cycling performance which is comparable with commercial titanate-based electrodes. The outstanding performance of the electrodes is attributed to the improved titania loading and the electronically conductive highly porous network which contributed to charge-transfer kinetics. This study shows the potential of PEDOT:PSS as a conductive binder for other active materials in LIBs and self-standing electrodes for lower resistance and higher specific capacity.