Synthesis and application of PEDOT/PAA as a conductive binder for silicon anode of lithium-ion battery

This study reports on the synthesis and application of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)/poly(acrylic acid) or PEDOT/PAA as a conductive binder for the silicon anode of lithium-ion battery. Due to its high electrical conductivity and the intrinsic flexibility of its polymer chains, PEDOT has the advantage of being able to maintain a conductive path between silicon as an active ingredient, carbon as a conductive additive, and current collectors in the form of copper foil. PEDOT/PAA was synthesized by in situ polymerizations of 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer in a solution containing poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as a templating agent using ammonium persulfate (APS) as oxidant with ratio of 1:1:1.2. FTIR and XPS results confirm the successful polymerization of EDOT to PEDOT. The UV-Vis tests indicate that the electronic energy levels of PEDOT/PAA and PEDOT/PSS are identical. The cycle test and 180° adhesion peel test results demonstrate that PEDOT/PAA is a superior binder for silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries when compared to other binders like poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT/PSS) brand Clevios PH.