| Optimization of Binder Ratios (Polyethylene Oxide, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, and Carboxymethyl Cellulose) for High-Capacity Lithium–Sulfur Batteries |
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Dowon Kim, Jiyoung Lim, Sohee Kim, Jungmin Kim, Isheunesu Phiri, Sun-Yul Ryou |
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Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hanbat National University, 125 Dongseo-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34158, Republic of Korea |
Correspondence:
Isheunesu Phiri, Tel: +82-42-821-1534, Fax: +82-42-821-1534,
Email: isheunesuphiri@gmail.com
Sun-Yul Ryou, Tel: +82-42-821-1534, Fax: +82-42-821-1534,
Email: mhryou@hanbat.ac.kr
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Received: 9 September 2025 • Accepted: 4 November 2025
*Dowon Kim, Jiyoung Lim and Sohee Kim contributed equally to this study as co-first authors. |
| Abstract |
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Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are considered promising next-generation energy-storage systems owing to their high theoretical energy density and cost-effective sulfur cathodes. However, their practical applications are hindered by the polysulfide shuttle effect, volume expansion of the sulfur cathode, and poor electronic conductivity. In this study, we investigate the effect of polymeric binder ratio, specifically, a ternary system comprising polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), on the electrochemical performance and interfacial stability of Li–S batteries. By systematically varying the PEO/PVP/CMC binder ratio, we determine that the optimal ratio is 5/5/0.4, which leads to a high initial discharge capacity of 1439.9 mAh g–1 and superior rate and cycling performance. This ratio enhances sulfur utilization, improves the structural integrity of the electrode, and minimizes polysulfide dissolution through synergistic chemical interactions. Furthermore, post-mortem analysis using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy reveals that this optimized binder configuration suppresses solid electrolyte interphase degradation and mitigates Li dendrite formation, contributing to an extended cycling life. These findings highlight the crucial role of binder design in enhancing both the electrochemical and interfacial stabilities of Li–S batteries. |
| Keywords:
lithium–sulfur batteries, polymeric binders, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose |
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