A polymeric three-dimensional adhesive network for a high initial Coulombic efficiency silicon anode

The inevitable side reactions during the cycling of silicon electrodes lead to the low initial Coulombic efficiencies. Binders play a vital role as a crucial component of electrodes in enhancing the initial Coulombic efficiencies in the cycling process. The water-soluble grafted CMC/PAA binder can form a three-dimensional adhesion network to cover Si particles. A large proportion of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in the binder can generate a strong interaction with Si–OH bond to attach to the surface of Si particles. The dynamic cross-linked network helps to maintain the structural integrity of the electrodes while simultaneously enhancing the kinetics of lithium ion transportation. The Si@CMC/PAA electrode achieves a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 90.61 %, stable cycling performance and high rate capacity of 880 mAh·g −1 at 2 C.