Functional-Group Effects in Biopolymer Binders for Sodium-Ion Battery Electrodes: Interfaces, Rheology, and Electrochemical Performance
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Binders, though typically only a few weight percent of a battery electrode, play an outsized role in determining cell performance and sustainability. Water-soluble green binders have emerged as eco-friendly alternatives that enable aqueous slurry processing and easier recyclability. In this work, we leverage biopolymer-based binders (CMC/SBR, Guar Gum and ι-carrageenan) in sodium-ion battery electrodes (Prussian white cathodes and hard carbon anodes) to demonstrate a new paradigm of sustainable electrode design. Our findings highlight that biopolymer binders (Guar Gum and ι-carrageenan) can effectively “glue” sodium-ion battery electrodes together forming a robust structural network and refine the composition of the passivation layer on electrode interface through the functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, and sulfate bonding). By replacing conventional binders with these green alternatives, high-capacity retention and rate capability were achieved when paired with hard carbon electrodes, all with the added benefits of aqueous processability and sustainability.
Source: ChemRxiv
Institutions: University of Birmingham, University of Warwick
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7223135063