<2025> Development Status and Outlook of Binder Technology for Secondary Batteries (~2035)
The characteristics of LIBs are
largely determined by the electrodes, and optimizing the electrode structure is
the top priority in order to achieve excellent battery performance. While the
active materials of the cathode and anode are being studied and reviewed with
much interest not only in currently commercialized LIBs but also in the
research field, the inactive binder that does not participate in the electrode
reaction maintains the integrity of the electrode with a low weight ratio (≤5
wt%) and supports the electrochemical process, and occupies an important
position in terms of implementing the performance of the electrode along with
the active material and the conductive agent, but it is receiving less
attention compared to its importance.
The binder occupies a very small
portion of the electrode but plays a crucial role in determining the overall
performance of the electrode. It helps active materials and conductive agents
in both the cathode and anode adhere firmly to the current collector while
enhancing durability. A binder must be (1) electrochemically stable in the
electrolyte, (2) possess flexibility and insolubility, and (3) specifically for
cathode binders, provide corrosion resistance against oxidation.
Therefore, a functional binder
with high bonding strength and elasticity is required to effectively connect
the active material and conductive agent to the current collector, accommodate
volume expansion, and ensure a stable electrode structure during charge and
discharge cycles. Recently, with deeper insights into binder screening and
design, research has been shifting its focus from merely serving as a
structural support for mechanical stabilization to developing multifunctional
binders that also provide electrochemical advantages.
Recently, with the increasing
adoption of silicon anode materials, research has shown that binders
significantly influence the lithiation reaction, contributing to improved
electrode capacity and cycle stability. This has led to active advancements in
next-generation binder development. Traditionally, fluoropolymer-based PVDF
(Polyvinylidene Fluoride) has been primarily used as a binder for cathodes,
while SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) and CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) have
been used for anodes. However, due to the significant volume expansion of
silicon anodes, these conventional binders are unsuitable for use with
silicon-based materials.
Recently, PTFE
(PolyTetraFluoroEthylene) binders have been gaining attention for cathodes,
while water-based binders such as PAA (PolyAcrylic Acid) and PI (PolyImide) are
increasingly used for anodes. These water-based binders are particularly
suitable for silicon anodes, which utilize water-based solvents as
electrolytes. Compared to conventional binders, PAA and PI offer higher tensile
strength and stronger adhesion, making them more resistant to the volume
expansion of silicon anodes. Additionally, these binders encapsulate the active
material, helping to form a stable SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interphase) layer,
which enhances electrode stability and cycle performance.
The next-generation cathode
binder, PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene), is a binder for dry electrode
processes. As a highly hydrophobic material with excellent chemical and thermal
resistance, it is expected to gain attention for use in dry electrode processes
and solid-state batteries.
PVDF binders are produced by
Kureha (Japan), Solvay (Belgium), and Arkema (France), while SBR binders are
manufactured by Zeon (Japan), making them high-cost materials with a high
reliance on foreign suppliers.
For cathode binders, Chemtros
(South Korea) has successfully localized production, while for anode binders,
Hansol Chemical (South Korea) has also achieved domestic production and is
supplying to Samsung SDI and SK On. Additionally, LG Chem and Kumho Petrochemical
are entering the anode binder supply market.
According to SNE Research's
global demand forecast for lithium-ion battery binders as of November 2024, the
market is expected to grow from 181.2 kton in 2025 to 311.4 kton in 2030. In
terms of value, it is projected to increase from KRW 4.4 trillion in 2025 to
KRW 6.11 trillion in 2030.
The 2024 edition of the report
has been enhanced with a particular focus on solid-state batteries and
sodium-ion batteries, which have recently become hot topics. It includes
thermal and dispersion properties of binders for these next-generation batteries
and provides additional insights into the operational mechanisms and failure
mechanisms of binders to improve understanding.
Additionally, the report presents a chronological compilation of
research on binder design, synthesis, and application in lithium-ion battery
electrodes, covering all relevant literature published to date. For those
seeking deeper technical details, references to the original papers have been
included, allowing for further exploration of the subject.
Based on our lithium-ion battery
market outlook, we have projected the demand and market trends for binders. In
the appendix, we have included market size estimates and forecasts from
external research institutions to help readers gain a comprehensive understanding
of the overall market scale. For key
binders such as PVDF, SBR, and CMC, the report includes detailed market data
from 2021, 2022, and 2023, along with forecasts for 2024, providing a clear
view of demand trends over time.
Finally, by compiling the most
recent status and key products of binder manufacturers in 2024, this report
aims to provide comprehensive insights for researchers and industry
professionals. It is expected to contribute significantly to improving battery performance,
including energy density, fast-charging capability, and long-term cycle life.
Strong Points of This Report :
1.
Comprehensive overview and detailed technical content on binders
2.
Key design and synthesis considerations derived from binder development case
studies
3.
Analysis of binder development trends and case studies for next-generation
batteries, including Li-S batteries, solid-state batteries, and sodium-ion
batteries (SIBs), in addition to LIBs
4.
Binder market outlook based on SNE Research’s battery forecasts, along with
data on the binder market for LFP batteries
5. Detailed information on the latest developments and product status of major binder manufacturers
[PVDF Binder Manufacturers' Shipment Volume and Market Share (M/S)]
[SBR Binder Manufacturers' Shipment Volume and Market Share (M/S)]
[Tesla
4680 Battery Binder Cost Analysis]
• Cathode: NCM811, Anode: Si-based
• PVDF cathode binder requirement
and cost for 1 GWh battery: around 38 tons
• PAA anode binder requirement
and cost for 1 GWh battery: around 24 tons
[Differences Between Dry Process and Wet Process]
1.
Binder Overview 7
1.1
Introduction 7
1.2
Definition, Role, and Requirements 8
1.2.1
Role and Features 8
1.2.1.1
Mechanical Properties 9
1.2.1.1.1
Improvement of Adhesion and Mechanical Strength 9
1.2.1.1.2
Control of Volume Change 13
1.2.1.2
Mitigation of Interface Performance Degradation 17
1.2.1.3
Electrical Properties 20
1.2.1.3.1
Improvement of Electrical Conductivity 20
1.2.1.3.2
Improvement of Ion Conductivity 23
1.2.1.4
Thermal Properties 26
1.2.1.4.1
Improvement of Thermal Stability and Wide Temperature Operation Range 26
1.2.1.5
Dispersion Properties 29
1.2.1.5.1
Improvement of Electrode Homogeneity 29
1.2.2
Requirements 32
1.3
Categories and Types 35
1.3.1
Types 35
1.4
Operation Mechanism 37
1.5
Binder Failure Mechanisms 39
1.6
Advanced Strategies for Binder Development 42
1.6.1
Improvement of Mechanical Bonding Strength 42
1.6.2
Improvement of Chemical Bonding Strength 42
1.6.3
Design of Multifunctional Integrated Binders 43
1.7
Binder Characterization Techniques 43
1.7.1
Evaluation of Binder Distribution and Composition in Cathode 43
2.
Types of Binders and R&D Practices 45
2.1
Binder for Cathodes 46
2.1.1
Non-Aqueous Binders 46
2.1.2
Industry Status of PVDF Cathode Binders 47
2.1.3
Industry Status of (CMC+SBR) Anode Binders 48
2.1.4
Water-based Binders 49
2.1.5
Other Binders 64
2.1.5.1
Conductive Polymer 64
2.1.5.1.1
Polyacrylonitrile(PAN) 64
2.2.
Binders for Anodes 69
2.2.1
Insertable Anode Binder 69
2.2.1.1
Binders for Graphite Electrodes 69
2.2.1.2
Anode Binder for LTO 72
2.2.2
Alloy Anode Binders 76
2.2.2.1
Linear Polymer Binders 78
2.2.2.2
Crosslinked Polymer Binders 81
2.2.2.3
Branched and Extra-Large Polymer Binders 83
2.2.2.4
Conductive Polymer Binders 86
2.3
Binder for Next-Generation Batteries (1) 94
2.3.1
Binders for Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) Batteries 94
2.3.2
(4680)Binders for Dry Process 104
2.3.3
Binders for Sodium-Ion Batteries (SIB) 108
2.3.3.1
Development of Binders for SIB 109
2.3.3.2
Conventional Binders 112
2.3.3.2.1
PVDF 112
2.3.3.2.2
PAA 112
2.3.3.2.3
SA(Sodium Alginate) 113
2.3.3.2.4
CMC 114
2.3.3.3
New Binders 115
2.3.3.3.1
Conductive Binders 115
2.3.3.3.2
Cross-linking Binders 116
2.3.3.3.3
Self-healing Binders 117
2.4
Binder for Next-Generation Batteries (2) 118
2.4.1
Binders for Solid Electrolytes 118
2.4.1.1
Overview of All-Solid-State Batteries 118
2.4.1.2
Sulfide-based All-Solid-State Battery Technology 119
2.4.1.3
Manufacturing of All-Solid-State Cells and the Purpose of Binders 122
2.4.1.4
Binder Technology for Cathodes 126
2.4.1.4.1
Binder Technology for Wet Processes 128
2.4.1.4.2
Binder Technology for Dry Processes 133
2.4.1.5
Binder Technology for Electrolyte Layers 137
2.4.1.6.
Binder Technology for Anodes 140
2.4.1.6.1
Binder Technology for Graphite-Based Anodes 141
2.4.1.6.2
Next Generation Binder Technology for Anodes 142
3.
Binder Market 145
3.1
Overall Outlook for the Binders Market(Outlook by Other Researchers) 145
3.2
PVDF Market Outlook for Global LIBs 145
3.2.1
Global Battery Market Demand Outlook 145
3.2.1.1
Global LIB Demand Outlook by Form Factor (GWh, %) 146
3.2.1.2
Global LIB Cathode Material Demand Outlook (GWh, k ton) 147
3.2.1.3
Global LIB Anode Material Demand Outlook (k ton) 148
3.2.2
Global LIB Binder Demand Outlook 148
3.2.3
LIB Binder Price Outlook 150
3.2.4
LIB Binder Market Size Outlook 152
3.2.5
Global Cathode Binder Demand Outlook by Major Battery Companies 153
3.2.6
Global Anode Binder Demand Outlook by Major Battery Companies 155
3.2.7
Market Outlook for Binders for Silicon-based Anodes 156
3.2.8
PAA Binders for Silicon Anode Market Outlook 156
3.2.9
Global LFP Binder Demand Outlook (k ton)(CAGR 12%) 157
3.2.10
Binder cost analysis for 4680 batteries for Tesla 160
3.2.11
Shipments and M/S of LIB Binder Manufacturers 162
3.2.12
Shipments and M/S of PVDF Binder Manufacturers 163
3.2.13
Shipments and M/S of SBR Binder Manufacturers 164
3.2.14
Shipments and M/S of CMC Binder Manufacturers 166
4.
Binder Manufacturer Status 168
[1]
Arkema Group 169
[2]
BASF SE 184
[3]
Solvay 188
[4]
Kureha Corp. 201
[5]
ZEON Corp. 208
[6]
JSR Corp. 212
[7]
Fujian Blue Ocean Co. Ltd (BLUE OCEAN & BLACK STONE) 215
[8]
Dupont (CMC) 220
[9]
Ashland Inc. 224
[10]
MTI Corp. 230
[11]
TRINSEO 233
[12]
Xinxiang Jinbang Power Technology Co., Ltd. 242
[13]
Chongqing Lihong Fine Chemical (CMC Binder Manufacturers) 246
[14]
Chemtros 248
[15]
Hansol Chemical 252
[16]
Kumho Petrochemical 256
[17]
Daikin Industry 260
[18]
Nanografi Nano Technology 265
[19]
Nippon Paper Group 267
[20]
APV Engineered Coatings LLC 269
[21]
Sichuan Indigo Materials Science & Technology (INDIGO) 271
[22]
Guangzhou Songbai Chemical Co (Songbai) 279
[23]
Nippon A&L Inc. 283
[24]
Daicel Miraizu Ltd. 284
[25]
Sinochem Group Co 286
[26]
Ube Corp. 293
[27]
AOT Battery Equipment Technology 296
[28]
Shanghai Huayi 3F New Materials 297
[29]
GL Chem 299
5.
Appendix[For reference](Analysis of binder cost for water-based cathodes, etc.) 307
6. References 314