Investigations on cellulose-based high voltage composite cathodes for lithium ion batteries

► Aqueous binders composed of biopolymers lead to cheaper, energy saving, and environmentally friendly processes. ► Development of greener Li-ion technology. ► High-voltage cathode material for high-energy Li-ion batteries. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a green and low-cost binder, is used to make lithium-ion battery composite electrodes containing the high voltage cathode material Li 2MnO 3–LiMO 2. This combination of materials results in a homogeneous electrode, which is proved by electron microscopy. The results of the electrochemical investigation indicate that CMC operates well at very high voltages (4.8 V). Compared to the PVDF binder, the CMC-based electrode shows an improved cycling stability as well as a very promising rate capability.