Self-reducing molecular ink for printed electronics and lithium-ion battery cathodes as conductive binder

Particle-free metal-organic-decomposition inks, especially amine-coordinated copper formate compounds, can be employed as highly conductive binder precursors to replace the commonly used polymer adhesives. Herein, we used the copper formate complex (Cuf-C) as the conductive binder precursor instead of organic binders and dispersants to prepare a series of composite inks. The lowest voltage solid block resistance of the graphene composite conductive ink was 7.34 omega per sq per mil. In addition, we applied the pyrolysis products of Cuf-C to the cathode of lithium-ion batteries as conductive binder. Compared with the traditional poly(vinylidene fluoride) binder, the battery with the Cuf-C binder displayed lower charge transfer resistance and interface impedance at the cathode/electrolyte interface, as well as lower polarization and better electrochemical kinetics. We also observed the positive effect of the Cuf-C binder on the cathode in finite element simulation. Cuf-C is used as a replacement to organic binders in the preparation of conductive inks. Cuf-C is applied to the cathode of lithium-ion batteries as conductive binder.