Effect of Carboxymethyl Cellulose on Aqueous Processing of LiFePO[sub 4] Cathodes and Their Electrochemical Performance

Aqueous-based particulates were investigated with respect to their use in fabrication of lithium-ion battery cathode as a function of degree of substitution (DS) on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The dispersion properties of particulates were characterized using electroacoustic measurements, rheology, and microstructural observations at two different DS values on CMC. It was found that the suspensions with lower DS had better long-term dispersing efficiency and more compact microstructure than those with higher DS. Furthermore, the electrodes with lower DS exhibited a better electrochemical cycling performance than those with higher DS after the same number of cycles.