PVDF Binder

PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) is a widely used fluoropolymer binder for lithium-ion battery electrode manufacturing. It is typically dissolved in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) to form a binder solution, then blended with active material and conductive carbon to create a coatable slurry. After coating onto the current collector (commonly Al foil for cathodes and Cu foil for anodes), the electrode is dried and calendared to achieve the required density, adhesion, and electrochemical performance.

Working mechanism in electrodes

PVDF acts as a mechanical and chemical “glue” that binds particles together and anchors the composite coating to the metal foil. Its fluorinated backbone provides strong chemical resistance and good stability in typical lithium battery electrolytes, supporting reliable cycling during battery testing and scale-up studies.

Key grades and typical properties

• PVDF-6020 (battery binder grade): designed for cathode binder preparation with NMP; offers high thermal stability (typical onset around 375–400 °C) and low thermal conductivity (around 0.2 W/m·K).
• PVDF-5130 (ultra-high viscosity, high-adhesion grade): selected when stronger adhesion and robust coating integrity are needed; typical density 1.75–1.78 g/cm³, very low water absorption (typically <0.20%), melting range ~160–168 °C, and high thermal stability (typically >375 °C).
  
  

Compatibility and applications

PVDF binders are commonly used with cathode chemistries such as NCM/NCA/LFP/LCO, and can also be used in anode formulations depending on the process route. It is suitable for coin cells, pouch cells, and cylindrical cell R&D workflows.

Why buy via ScienceGears

ScienceGears supports Australian & New Zealand researchers with battery materials supply plus integration guidance, including links to compatible battery cyclers, coin/pouch cell assembly tools, and electrochemical test instrumentation (potentiostats/EIS) for complete battery testing workflows.