This technology is a hydrogel-based polymer binder that crosslinks a glycol chitosan backbone with dibenzaldehyde-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG) side chains via imine bonds, effectively controlling the volume expansion of silicone anodes while maximizing ionic conductivity and self-healing capabilities.
Silicone anodes undergo rapid volume changes of up to approximately 400% during charge and discharge cycles. This causes silicon particles to fracture, leading to electrode structural collapse, loss of electrical contact, and increased side reactions with the electrolyte, which significantly shortens battery lifespan.
This technology forms a crosslinked polymer network through reversible imine bonds between the amine groups of glycol chitosan and the aldehyde groups of dibenzaldehyde-terminated PEG. This network absorbs external physical stress and self-heals, while hydroxyl and amine groups enhance interfacial adhesion and the PEG regions improve lithium-ion conductivity. Applicable to high-silicon content anodes that expand rapidly during fast charging or to small cells for wearable devices, the binder itself acts as an ion pathway, providing greater flexibility in conductive additive and electrolyte design.
N/A
