Improved Li-ion Kinetics of the Anode by Kneading Process of Binder for Lithium-Ion Batteries with High Energy Density

The low Li-ion kinetics caused by the high ionic and charge transfer resistance in the dense and thick electrode deteriorates electrochemical properties in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density. Here, we report a kneading process of the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder to improve Li-ion kinetics in the anode. The kneading process of Na-CMC increases the adsorption amount of Na-CMC on the graphite surface, which improves the dispersibility of the anode slurry. Enhanced dispersibility enables uniform pore distribution in the anode, which improves Li-ion kinetics. Moreover, replacing the Na-CMC with Li-CMC in the kneading process further improves Li-ion kinetics in the anode by reducing the charge transfer activation energy due to the formation of high Li-ion conducting LiF-rich solid-electrolyte interphase layer. The anode employing Li-CMC kneading process exhibits enhanced constant current charging capacity retention and cycling stability compared to those of the pristine anode.