Synergistic Double Cross-Linked Dynamic Network of Epoxidized Natural Rubber/Glycinamide Modified Polyacrylic Acid for Silicon Anode in Lithium Ion Battery: High Peel Strength and Super Cycle Stability

Silicon (Si), a high-capacity lithium-ion battery anode material, has aroused wide attention. Its further practical application has been limited by its huge volume change during the cycle. To reduce this defect, the double cross-linked product of glycinamide hydrochloride modified poly(acrylic acid) (PAG) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) was developed as a water-based binder to obtain sufficient elasticity and a sufficiently strong adhesive force. Due to the double cross-linked structures in the system, the binder was enabled to effectively disperse and transfer the stress generated by the volume expansion of the Si particles and keep the integrity of the electrode during the cycle, thus obtaining excellent cycle performance. When the current density was 1 A g–1, PE55 (PAG: ENR = 1:1 cross-linked polymer) electrode still achieved a specific capacity of 2322.2 mAh g–1 after 100 cycles of constant current charge and discharge, and PE55 binder exhibited excellent bonding properties (4.45 N) and mechanical properties (stress: 5.51 MPa, strain: 87.4%). The comparison of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) electrodes suggests that the introduction of elastic polymer and the construction of double cross-linked structures can increase the stability of Si anodes.