Conductive Binder for Si Anode with Boosted Charge Transfer Capability via n-Type Doping

Employing conductive binders in silicon (Si) anode has been considered as a fundamental solution to the pulverization of Si particles. Therefore, it is still a great challenge to improve the charge transfer capability of the conductive binder. Herein, a copolymer (PFPQ-COONa) is synthesized, characterized, and electrochemically tested as conductive binder for Si anode. It is found that PFPQ-COONa exhibits not only excellent cycling stability, but also satisfactory rate performance with relatively high areal loading, which outperforms currently reported single-component conductive binders. The superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to the molecular-level contact between binder and Si particles and to the enhanced intrinsic conductivity of PFPQ-COONa at reductive potential. This method provides a fresh perspective to design and develop conductive binder for high-capacity battery anode.