This innovation doubles the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries, essential to modern technology, are now benefiting from a significant improvement thanks to a recent discovery.

A research group, led by Professor Noriyoshi Matsumi from the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), has developed a new binder made of poly(vinylphosphonic) acid (PVPA) for silicon oxide (SiO) electrodes in lithium-ion batteries. This innovative binder promises to enhance the electrochemical efficiency and longevity of batteries, paving the way for wider applications, including in electric vehicles.


Silicon oxide, chosen for its affordability and high capacity, nevertheless faces major challenges, such as low conductivity and significant expansion during charging, limiting its use. PVPA, with its stronger adhesion and superior durability, overcomes these obstacles, enabling a more efficient and durable use of SiO as an anode material.

PVPA stands out from conventional binders, like polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), by offering stronger adhesion and almost doubling the discharge capacity after 200 cycles, without observable exfoliation, even with SiO's significant volumetric expansion.

The collaboration between JAIST and Maruzen Petrochemical Company Ltd. has led to the development of an industrial production process for PVPA, with patents filed in Japan and internationally. This advancement is promising for the future of electric vehicles and other applications requiring durable and high-energy-density batteries, such as trains, ships, and aircraft.