The large volume expansion of a silicon (Si) anode causes
severe
mechanical failure, limiting its use in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
Using functional polymers as a binder material is an approach to this
issue. We explore the applicability of the water-soluble natural polysaccharide
lambda carrageenan (CGN) as a binder for Si nanoparticles in LIBs.
The characteristic binder properties of commercial (CGN-com) and custom
(ext-CGN) CGNs are investigated. CGN binders exhibit excellent mechanical
characteristics, remarkable interfacial adhesion, and strong cohesion.
The high density of sulfonyl groups in CGN improves the lithium-ion
transport kinetics; CGN effectively buffers the volume expansion of
Si during alloying, enhancing cycling and rate performance. After
300 cycles at 0.5 C, the Si@CGN electrode delivers a reversible capacity
of 1623.75 mAh g–1 and a rate capability of 2143.72
mAh g–1 at 5 C. The electrochemical performance
of Si@CGN-ext is about 91% of that of Si@CGN-com. Under all test conditions,
both outperformed Si anodes made with traditional binders. When paired
with the commercial NCM811 cathode, full cells using Si@CGN-com and
Si@CGN-ext have capacities of 79.96 and 75.68 mAh g–1, respectively, and superior stability for 50 cycles. This study
reveals the potential of CGN as a low-cost, sustainable binder for
Si anodes.