Research progress on modification strategies and applications of water-based binders for lithium-ion batteries

Nonaqueous binders such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are essential components in lithium-ion battery electrodes. However, their reliance on the toxic and flammable solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) presents significant environmental and safety hazards. Therefore, developing environmentally friendly, safe, and economically viable water-based binders is a key strategy to address these issues. This review systematically summarizes the structural characteristics, recent modification strategies for various types of water-soluble binders based on their primary classifications and their applications in lithium-ion batteries. It provides an in-depth analysis of water-soluble binders in improving interfacial compatibility, facilitating ion transport, and enhancing cycle stability. Finally, the challenges associated with the industrialization of water-soluble binders and future research directions are prospected.