Inorganic crosslinked supramolecular binder with fast Self-Healing for high performance silicon based anodes in Lithium-Ion batteries

Capacity retention is one of the key factors affecting the performance of silicon (Si)-based lithium-ion batteries and other energy storage devices. Herein, a three dimension (3D) network self-healing binder (denoted as PVA + LB) consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and lithium metaborate (LiBO₂) solution is proposed to improve the cycle stability of Si-based lithium-ion batteries. The reversible capacity of the silicon electrode is maintained at 1767.3 mAh g⁻¹ after 180 cycles when employing PVA + LB as the binder, exhibiting excellent cycling stability. In addition, the silicon/carbon (Si/C) anode with the PVA + LB binder presents superior electrochemical performance, achieving a stable cycle life with a capacity retention of 73.7% (858.3 mAh g⁻¹) after 800 cycles at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹. The high viscosity and flexibility, 3D network structure, and self-healing characteristics of the PVA + LB binder are the main reasons to improve the stability of the Si or Si/C contained electrodes. The novel self-healing binder shows great potential in designing the new generation of silicon-based lithium-ion batteries and even electrochemical energy storage devices.