Low-cost SiO-based anode using green binders for lithium ion batteries

The influence of environmentally friendly aqueous binders and carbon coating on the electrochemical performance of SiO powder anodes for lithium ion batteries has been investigated in detail. The SiO anode with sodium alginate (Alg), styrene butadiene rubber/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) or polyacrylic acid binder exhibits fairly good cycling stability. However, use of polyvinyl alcohol as binder results in rapid capacity loss during cycling. The positive effect of the former binders could be attributed to the amorphous structures and ester-like bond, which were detected by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared. The cycling performance is further enhanced by carbon coating on the surface of the SiO. The reversible capacity of SiO/C electrode with either Alg or SCMC can retain ca. 940 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles. In particular, a long-term cycling stability can be achieved for SiO/C electrode using SCMC binder. Additionally, the high irreversibility of SiO/C electrode at the first cycle can be completely compensated by a simple pretreatment.