Incellion™ El: Acrylic based binders for high performance anodes
 

An overview of our center of expertise

Discover the possibilities offered by our central hub for battery technology

Global demand for batteries is growing with the rise of electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions. Arkema's battery center in Lyon, connected to other research centers, participates in the development of advanced materials for current lithium-based batteries and future semi-solid, solid and sodium technologies.

Boosting Battery Performance

The center focuses on improving key battery components such as:

• Acrylic-based binders enabling the use of high-silicon-content anodes, Incellion™ El.
• Solutions for safer and thinner separators, Incellion™ Sp, to prevent short circuits while improving thermal resistance.
• Acrylic primers for cathodes to optimize the efficiency and performance of conductive materials, Incellion™ Pr.
• And also, electrochemically stable rheology additives performing together with the binder materials, Incellion™ Rh.

The center tests battery cells under real-life conditions to improve materials for large-scale production it allows Arkema to develop safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective lithium-ion, sodium-ion and solid-state batteries.

Discover Arkema’s commitment to addressing technological and environmental challenges in the battery sector.
 

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Binders provide advanced characteristics and help improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. They are used to coat graphite and silicon anodes. Based on an innovative acrylic-based chemistry, Incellion El range binders improve the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the battery, guaranteeing optimum performance in a variety of operating conditions. Below are the key features that make Incellion™ EL essential components in the manufacture of next-generation batteries:

• Superior mechanical and electrochemical properties

Incellion™ EL is based on an acrylic-based chemistry, offering exceptional mechanical stability and electrochemical performance. The anode thus retains its integrity under stress, contributing to the durability and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries.

• Compatibility with pure graphite and silicon anodes 

These binders are designed to work seamlessly with pure graphite and silicon-based anodes, making them a versatile solution for modern battery technologies. Their ability to withstand high silicon content enables higher energy densities while maintaining structural stability during charge cycles.

• Low binder load with excellent cohesion and adhesion

Incellion™ El offers excellent cohesion and adhesion even with low binder loading, reducing the amount of material required while maintaining strong, stable bonds. This feature improves overall battery efficiency and reduces the risk of material degradation over time, resulting in longer-lasting, more reliable batteries.

Higher energy density thanks to anode binders

Incellion™ El acrylic binders play a central role in increasing the energy density of lithium-ion batteries by improving the performance of silicon-based anodes. Silicon, known for its theoretically higher capacity than graphite, faces challenges such as volume expansion during charging cycles. Incellion™ El binders help overcome these problems by providing superior mechanical integrity, enabling the anode to maintain its stability even as it expands and contracts. This enables the use of higher silicon content, ultimately increasing the energy density of the battery, which is crucial for applications such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems that require more power in a smaller footprint.

Extended life of lithium-ion batteries

Incellion™ El binders are designed to extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries by improving anode durability. Their excellent adhesion and cohesion properties ensure structurally sound anodes over many charge cycles. By reducing degradation caused by repeated expansion and contraction of silicon-based anodes, Incellion™ El help maintain consistent electrochemical performance over time. This durability not only extends battery cycle life, but also minimizes replacement frequency, making it a sustainable solution for high-performance energy applications.

Improved battery safety and efficiency

The safety and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries are enhanced by the use of Incellion™ El binders. Their ability to form strong, stable bonds within the anode improves mechanical stability, reducing the risk of internal shorts that can lead to overheating or battery failure. In addition, the small amount of binder required, and therefore of material used, contributes to a better flow of ions between the anode and cathode, and therefore to greater electrochemical efficiency. By optimizing both safety and performance, the binders in the Incellion™ El range play an active part in the next-generation batteries used in electric vehicles and other energy-hungry applications.

Durability and innovation with Incellion™ EL anode binders

Incellion™ El binders are designed with sustainability and innovation in mind; their unique compositions are designed not only to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries, but also to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions in the energy sector.

The water-based formulation and reduced usage are sustainability benefits. This low binder loading without compromising the efficiency, strength and integrity of battery anodes makes battery manufacturing more environmentally friendly. Incellion™ El also helps extend the life of lithium-ion batteries by improving the mechanical durability of the anodes. Longer-lasting batteries mean fewer replacements, less waste and a contribution to more sustainable energy systems.

In addition, Incellion™ El batteries are driving innovation by enabling the development of high energy density batteries. By enabling the use of high silicon content in the anodes, they help increase the energy storage capacity of lithium-ion batteries. This is particularly important for industries such as electric vehicles, where higher energy densities mean longer ranges and improved performance in smaller, lighter battery packs.