Influence of the binder and preparation process on the positive electrode electrochemical response and Li/S system performances

In this study, the effect of the binder (PVdF and CMC/NBR) and the preparation process of sulfur electrode ink/slurry on electrochemical performance and cycling behaviour of Li/S cells was investigated. Well dispersed and homogeneous slurries obtained using high-energy mechanical dispersion (Dispermat (R) permit to decrease the impedance response of the electrodes and thus to improve the cycling performances at high C-rates. The main effect of CMC/NBR binder was mostly related to electrode adhesion properties, resulting in better cycle life. A detailed analysis of EIS data gives us an insight into electrode impedance response and their variation depending on the electrode fabrication process and nature/type of a binder. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.