Binder-free Electrode from Biomass

While most carbon-based electrodes use binders to improve mechanical stability, these binders can cause internal resistance and reduce capacitance. Our patent pending method turns natural fibers into binder-free activated carbon electrodes for batteries and supercapacitors. These binder-free bio-based plates have a high surface area of greater than 1000 m2/g, with the needed strength and flexibility to hold the carbon together without using polymer binder during the electrode manufacturing processes. Comparing with the electrodes made with polymer binder, electrodes assembled with these bio-carbon electrode showed a 60% increase in specific capacitance. In the meantime, there is a significant cost saving as no expansive polymer binder is incorporated.  Our novel binder free bio-based electrode is made solely from biomass which is environmentally friendly. In the meanwhile, the performance of the electrode is significantly enhanced.