Effect of cathode binder on electrochemical properties of lithium rechargeable polymer batteries

The effect of polymer binder in the LiCoO2 Positive electrode (cathode) on the electrochemical properties of this electrode is investigated. The positive electrode for lithium rechargeable polymer batteries (LPBs) is made by casting a solution of active material (LiCoO2), conducting material (super-P), polymer binder, and solvent. The irreversible capacity of the unit cell (Lilgel polymer electrolyte\LiCoO2) is almost independent of the binder content and binder species in the cathode. In terms of specific capacity and the capacity retention with cycling, the optimum content of the binder is 8 wt.% and the cycelability is enhanced with an electrode containing a binder with better compatibility with liquid electrolyte. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.