Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) is a water-soluble high-molecular polymer with good film-forming property, dispersibility and adhesiveness. In recent years, the application of PVP K30 in batteries has become increasingly widespread.

As a polymer, PVP K30 has advantages like environmentally friendly, versatility and cost advantage. It is water-soluble, and it can avoid pollution from organic solvents and is in line with the development trend of green batteries. Raw materials are readily available and the price is lower than that of some special polymers. It has multiple functions such as bonding, dispersion, and interface optimization, and is compatible with various battery systems.

Application in lithium-ion batteries:

As an electrode binder, PVP K30 can replace traditional binders such as polyvinylidene fluoride for the preparation of slurry for positive or negative electrode materials. The water-soluble property enables it to be used in the preparation of aqueous electrodes, avoiding the use of organic solvents, reducing production costs and environmental risks. Good adhesion can enhance the bond between the active substance and the current collector, and improve the cycling stability of the electrode.

As an electrolyte additive, a small amount of PVP K30 added to the electrolyte can interact with lithium ions. Optimize interface stability: Form a stable solid electrolyte interface film at the electrode/electrolyte interface to inhibit electrolyte decomposition and dendrite growth of metallic lithium. Enhance ion conductivity: Through the steric hindrance effect of polymer chains, reduce ion aggregation and increase the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte.

Electrode surface modification. The PVP K30 solution was coated on the electrode surface to form an ultrathin polymer layer. Inhibit the dissolution of active substances: For instance, in ternary cathodes, reduce the dissolution of transition metal ions and extend the battery’s cycle life. Improve wettability: Enhance the wettability of the electrolyte to the electrode and reduce the interfacial impedance.

Application in solid-state batteries:

As a solid electrolyte additive, PVP K30 can be used as a polymer matrix or plasticizer to be compounded with inorganic solid electrolytes. Enhancing interfacial compatibility: By taking advantage of the flexibility of polymer chains, the contact between inorganic electrolytes and electrodes is improved, reducing interfacial resistance. Enhance mechanical strength, form organic-inorganic hybrid solid electrolyte, improve overall mechanical properties, and inhibit the penetration of lithium dendrites.

Preparation of composite electrodes In the composite electrode of solid-state batteries, PVP K30 serves as both a binder and an ion-conducting medium simultaneously. Simplified process: Composite electrodes are prepared through aqueous slurry to adapt to the production process of environmentally friendly batteries.

Through material design and process optimization, PVP K30 is expected to play a more important role in the next generation of high-performance batteries.