Aqueous Binders for Cathodes: A Lodestar for Greener Lithium Ion Cells

The current technologically advancing society requires the development of economically profitable and efficient electrode fabrication routes for lithium ion cells. Binders play an important role in deciding the performance parameters, viz., energy density, rate capability, and cycle life of lithium ion cells. The present review provides a practical guide for the development of aqueous binder based cathodes for lithium ion (Li-ion) cells. In this review, we first discuss the need for aqueous binders in the production of electrodes, particularly for cathodes in Li-ion cells, summarize the challenges in the fabrication of aqueous binder based cathodes, and then highlight the recent developments in aqueous binder based cathodes, targeting to provide a stepping stone for the development of aqueous binder based cathodes with improved sustainability and enhanced electrochemical performance. Aqueous binders for different generations of cathode materials are reviewed in detail with special emphasis given to commercially employed cathode materials.