Advanced Matrixes for Binder‐Free Nanostructured Electrodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Commercial lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), limited by their insufficient reversible capacity, short cyclability, and high cost, are facing ever‐growing requirements for further increases in power capability, energy density, lifespan, and flexibility. The presence of insulating and electrochemically inactive binders in commercial LIB electrodes causes uneven active material distribution and poor contact of these materials with substrates, reducing battery performance. Thus, nanostructured electrodes with binder‐free designs are developed and have numerous advantages including large surface area, robust adhesion to substrates, high areal/specific capacity, fast electron/ion transfer, and free space for alleviating volume expansion, leading to superior battery performance. Herein, recent progress on different kinds of supporting matrixes including metals, carbonaceous materials, and polymers as well as other substrates for binder‐free nanostructured electrodes in LIBs are summarized systematically. Furthermore, the potential applications of these binder‐free nanostructured electrodes in practical full‐cell‐configuration LIBs, in particular fully flexible/stretchable LIBs, are outlined in detail. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges for such full‐cell LIBs based on binder‐free nanostructured electrodes are discussed.

Tortuosity Modulation toward High‐Energy and High‐Power Lithium Metal Batteries

“…What's more, the reserved channels between the cathode materials enable the cathodes to withstand volume changes and enhance their cycling stability. [103] The typical low-tortuous cathode with vertical channels is shown in Figure 8b. VO 2 nanobelt arrays [93] were directly and homogeneously grown on V foil via hydrothermal method evidenced by XRD patterns and SEM image in Figure 8a,b.…”

Urchin‐Type Architecture Assembled by Cobalt Phosphide Nanorods Encapsulated in Graphene Framework as an Advanced Anode for Alkali Metal Ion Batteries

“…Hence, it is highly essential to fabricate electrodes without binders to realize enhanced electrochemical properties and robust mechanical flexibility. Binder‐free membrane electrodes thus have stood out over the years [23–26] . The electrodes can completely eliminate the introduction of binders, realize stable electrical contact with conductive matrix, accelerate ion transmission, and improve the gravimetric energy storage capacity of batteries.…”

Bi‐Based Electrode Materials for Alkali Metal‐Ion Batteries

“…Recently, binder-free nanostructured electrodes have been widely investigated considering the advantages of superior mechanical stability, large surface area and high specific capacity. [89] Wang et al [90] reported a facile method to in situ synthesize Bi nanoflakes/Ni foam(Bi/Ni) integrated electrode via replacement reaction, which exhibited attractive cycle performance for SIBs. Liu et al [91] covered each carbon fiber with sexangular bismuth nanosheets to work as advanced binder-free anode for SIBs.…”