Battery-grade Binders

SBR and PAA binder formulas for use in lithium-ion battery cells

Battery Binder Solutions

Targray supplies battery-grade binders used in the slurry making process for Lithium-ion batteries. Specialty binder powder formulations such as Hydrophilic, SBR and PVDF are used in Lithium-ion battery technology to hold the active material particles together and in contact with the current collectors i.e. the Aluminum Foil (Al foil) or the Copper Foil (Cu foil).

Targray offers various binders suitable for different chemistries as well as processing technologies:

  • SBR
  • Solvent/water-based PVDF
  • PAA/PI

Given the intricate nature of the manufacturing steps outlined above, the binder powder formula’s characteristics are highly significant and must conform to strict criteria. Primary characteristics of relevance are:

 

  • Ionic Conductivity
  • Tensile Strength
  • Water Absorption
  • Adhesion Property
  • Swelling in Electrolyte
  • Melting point
  • Molecular weight distribution
  • Dissolution properties
  • Crystalline properties
  • Purity

    • Mechanical Integrity: Binders ensure that the electrode components remain tightly bound, preventing the active materials from detaching during the charge-discharge cycles. This cohesion is critical as it maintains the continuous pathways for electron flow, which is essential for the battery’s operation.

    • Flexibility and Expansion Accommodation: During the battery’s operation, especially in lithium-ion batteries, the electrodes undergo significant volume changes. Silicon anodes, for example, can expand up to 300% during lithiation. Binders must be flexible enough to accommodate these expansions and contractions without cracking, which would compromise the battery’s performance and lifespan.

    • Electrochemical Stability: Binders must be chemically inert within the battery environment. They should not react with the electrolyte or the electrode materials, as such reactions could lead to the formation of unwanted by-products, reducing the battery’s efficiency and safety.

    • Processing and Manufacturing: The binder influences the electrode fabrication process, impacting the slurry preparation, coating, and drying stages. The rheological properties of the binder determine the viscosity of the slurry, which in turn affects the uniformity and thickness of the electrode coating. A well-chosen binder ensures that the electrode has the desired mechanical properties and electrochemical performance.

    Working alongside organizations including Electrochemical Society and NAATBatt, we’re focused on helping battery manufacturers commercialize ambitious new energy storage technologies.

    Related Battery Materials

    Cathode Materials

    Cathode materials for li ion battery manufacturing. Products include binders, foils, and cathode active materials (NMC, NCA, LMO, LCO).

    Electrolyte Solutions

    High performance battery electrolyte solutions. Produced with LiPF6 salt and a high phosphorous content flame retardant, DMMP.

    Copper Foil

    An anode foil portfolio of copper current collectors including Electrodeposited (ED), rolled annealed (RA) and roll-clad Cu foils.

    Pouch Cell Material

    Aluminum laminate composite pouch material for large lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicle and energy storage applications.

    Graphite Anode Materials

    Battery grade graphite powders for li ion cells manufacturers. Products include natural, artificial and composite graphite.

    Aluminum Foil

    High performance aluminum (Al) foils. Used during the final application of the Lithium ion battery slurry.

    Battery Packaging

    A large selection of battery packaging materials. Products include battery tabs, aluminum laminate film, and prismatic cans, cases & lids.