Polyacrylonitrile-co-(Polyethylene Glycol-Maleic Acid Ester) (PAM): A Multifunctional Binder for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Binders are essential for the performance and longevity of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), providing a crucial link between active materials and current collectors while preserving electrode integrity. This study investigates polyacrylonitrile-co-(polyethylene glycol-maleic acid ester) (PAM) as a multifunctional binder aimed at enhancing LIB performance. The study thoroughly examines PAM's ability to improve electrode integrity and interaction with conductive additives such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Material characterization through FT-IR, 1H NMR, and XPS confirms the successful synthesis of PAM and its effective dispersion of CNTs. Notably, the sheet resistance of CNT/PAM electrodes is reduced by a factor of 1000 compared to CNT/PVDF electrodes. Electrochemical evaluations demonstrate that CNT/PAM electrodes exhibit significantly higher specific discharge capacity (214.8 vs 187.8 mAh/g), improved Coulombic efficiency, and superior cycle life stability (174.4 vs 35.7 mAh/g at the 100th cycle) compared to conventional CNT/PVDF electrodes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis reveals that CNT/PAM exhibits three times higher ionic conductivity (16.32 mS/cm) compared to conventional CNT/PVDF (5.38 mS/cm), indicating enhanced conductivity and interfacial properties. Additionally, rate capability tests underscore the superior performance of the PAM, with better capacity retention and recovery rates across varying C-rates. These findings suggest that PAM not only effectively disperses CNTs but also enhances the overall stability, conductivity, and performance of LIBs, making it a promising component for advanced energy storage systems.