Enhancing Si/C Anode Performance in Lithium-Ion Batteries Through Furan-Functionalized CMC Binder for Superior SWCNT Dispersion and Conductive Network Stability

Abstract

The development of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) necessitates innovative approaches to overcome the limitations of silicon-based anodes, including low electrical conductivity and significant volume expansion during cycling. This study introduces a furfurylamine-functionalized carboxymethyl cellulose (FCMC) binder, leveraging Diels–Alder reactions to establish robust covalent bonds with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The resulting binder system ensures uniform SWCNT dispersion and forms a stable conductive network, enhancing the performance of the Si/C anodes. The electrochemical analysis demonstrated that Si/C_FCMC/SBR_SWCNT electrodes achieve superior cycling stability and rate performance, retaining a specific capacity of 325 mAh g−1 after 250 cycles at 1C and outperforming conventional CMC and Super P-based systems. Moreover, under high mass-loading conditions (5.9 mg cm−2), the FCMC-based electrodes maintained 155.1 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles, highlighting their potential for scalability. Full-cell evaluations paired with NCM811 cathodes further validated the FCMC binder's role in enhancing rate performance. This study underscores the transformative potential of Diels–Alder chemistry in binder design, paving the way for the practical application of Si/C anodes in next-generation LIBs for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.