A Multifunctional Polymer Brush Network Binder for High-Nickel Cathodes: Architecture-Driven Elastic Recovery, Adhesion, and Li+ Transport
발표자
조민서 (서울대학교)
연구책임자
심지민 (서울대학교)
초록
내용
Fabricating thick, high-loading electrodes using nickel-rich layered oxides such as LiNixCoyMnzO2 (NCM) is essential for maximizing energy density of lithium-ion batteries, but it also intensifies mechanical and interfacial stresses that compromise cycling stability. Herein, a multifunctional polymer brush network (PBN) binder is synthesized by cross-linking poly(vinylidene fluoride)-graft-poly(acrylic acid) with polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE). This design provides elastic recovery, strong hydrogen-bond adhesion, and improved Li⁺ transport via PEG domains. PBN reduces PVDF brittleness, improving toughness, elasticity, and stress recovery for stable cycling under high-loading and low binder content. Electrochemical and theoretical results confirm better Li⁺ mobility and binder interactions. Post-mortem analysis shows PBN preserves electrode integrity and stabilizes the cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI), demonstrating the importance of multifunctional binder architecture.