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A research team has developed a technology that enhances the performance of binders—often the 'unsung heroes' in the field of secondary batteries—while using environmentally friendly materials. Their study is published in Advanced Functional Materials.

The researchers were led by Dr. Hyeon-Gyun Im and Dr. Dong Jun Kang from the Insulation Materials Research Center of Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI), in collaboration with Dr. Jung-keun Yoo from KIST and Professor Jong-soon Kim from Sungkyunkwan University.

The electrode, which has the greatest impact on the performance of secondary batteries, is manufactured by mixing an 'active material' that generates electricity, a 'conductive material' that facilitates the flow of electricity, and a 'binder' with a solvent. The role of the binder is to help the active material and conductive material adhere well to the metal plate (current collector) and to physically stabilize the electrode.

The binder has a relatively small proportion in the electrode, which has led to slower research progress in the past. However, with the increasing demand for high-capacity and high-performance batteries, interest in binders is growing.

Currently, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a fluoropolymer material, is predominantly used as the binder material for lithium-ion battery positive electrodes. However, PVDF is dominated by some global companies in Japan and Europe, and there have been ongoing functional issues, such as decreased battery stability, associated with its use.

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