Work

Self-healing supramolecular cathode binder additive with dynamic bonds for durable high-voltage solid-state lithium batteries

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes are indispensable for high-energy polymer-based solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs), yet their application is plagued by severe volumetric strain and unstable cathode/electrolyte interphases under high cut-off voltages, resulting in rapid capacity fading. Here, a self-healing supramolecular binder additive that integrates dynamic covalent disulfide bonds was proposed to offer exceptional elasticity (>2300% strain) and rapid room-temperature self-recovery. Operando optical fiber sensing confirms that this adaptive network effectively buffers lattice stress and autonomously repairs interfacial damage, thereby preserving particle–particle contact and continuous Li + conduction. Moreover, electrochemical activation of disulfide bonds generates a sulfur-rich, compact cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI), which suppresses transition-metal dissolution and interfacial side reactions. Benefiting from these dual functions, Li||LiNi 0.83 Co 0.12 Mn 0.05 O 2 (Ni83) cells exhibit 80% capacity retention after 900 cycles at 4.3 V and 2 C, far outperforming PVDF control. SSLMB pouch cells with ultrathin Li and high-loading Ni83 cathodes deliver 357 Wh kg −1 , while lean-electrolyte 3 Ah Gr-SiO||LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM811) cells achieve 258 Wh kg −1 and 82.6% retention over 500 cycles. This work establishes a mechanically adaptive and self-healing binder design that addresses the coupled mechanical and interfacial instabilities of high-voltage cathodes, offering a practical pathway toward durable, high-energy SSLMBs. • This study proposes a supramolecular binder additive with abundant dynamic covalent bonds. • The supramolecular binder additive enhances the mechanical and electrochemical stability of Ni-rich cathodes. • The practical application of supramolecular binder additive is demonstrated in high-voltage pouch cells.

Source: eScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.esci.2026.100555