Comparative study of water‐processable polymeric binders in LiMn2O4 cathode for aqueous electrolyte batteries

Abstract Energy storage systems utilizing neutral pH aqueous electrolytes are increasing in importance, as they are inherently cheaper and safer when compared to their traditional lithium‐ion battery counterparts. However, no thorough study on binder characteristics in the aqueous environment has been reported. This work reports the performance and characterization of multiple binders: a polyacrylonitrile‐based binder (LA133), LA133+carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR), SBR+CMC, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and PTFE+CMC as implemented with a LiMn 2 O 4 cathode in a neutral pH aqueous electrolyte. Data presented include cyclic voltammetry (CV), resistivity, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results. PTFE+CMC is the overall superior binder, particular touting superior rate performance owing to the strength of PTFE coupled with electrolyte swelling ability of CMC. This work hopes to serve as a resource for rational design of sustainable battery chemistries.