Congratulations to Dajin Liu for the research paper " Research progress of biopolymers in Si anodes for lithium-ion batteries " accepted by Energy Storage Science and Technology.

Abstract

Si is regarded as one of the most promising anode materials for next-generation high-performance lithium-ion batteries due to its ultrahigh theoretical lithium storage capacity. However, due to the large volume change of Si during lithiation/de-lithiation, Si anodes suffer from particle pulverization, the formation of unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, and the loss of electric contact, resulting in rapid decay in capacity. Two common strategies for improving the electrochemical performance of Si anodes are the development of novel binders and the fabrication of Si/C composites. Biopolymers are low-cost, environmentally friendly, and rich in polar groups, making them ideal materials for the development of silicon anode binders and the fabrication of Si/C composites. We summarize recent research development of biopolymer-based binders for Si anodes and Si/C composites with biopolymers as carbon precursors in this review. Sodium alginate (SA), chitosan (CS), and starch-based binders are discussed in detail. The most common biopolymer-based binder modification strategies are summarized. Biopolymers are typically modified by grafting special groups, mixing with other polymers, or crosslinking to improve adhesion, electron/ion conductivity, or the formation of 3D networks. The physical and chemical properties, as well as the microstructures, of Si/C composites containing cellulose, chitosan, starch, and lignin as carbon sources, as well as their influence on electrochemical properties, are specifically discussed. On this basis, the deficiencies and potential development directions of current biopolymer-based binders and Si/C composites containing biopolymers as carbon sources are identified.

http://www.energystorage-journal.com/CN/10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2021.0115