The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Growing demand for energy storage has positioned aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) as safe and cost-effective alternatives. However, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), a conventional binder, exhibits poor internetwork formation and hydrophobicity, limiting ion penetration and electrode stability under high mass loading and prolonged cycling. Herein, an amide-crosslinked hydrophilic polymer (ACHP) binder is developed via thermal curing of water-soluble acrylate and amine-rich polymers. Hydrogen-bonding functionalities in ACHP enhance interactions with electrode components and suppress carbon–binder domain migration, improving structural integrity. In addition, amide and amine groups coordinate with dissolved Mn²⁺ near the MnO2 surface, mitigating Mn²⁺ dissolution and stabilizing the interface. Consequently, the ACHP-based electrode retains 80.1% of its initial capacity after 1550 cycles, and a 60 mAh-class Zn||MnO₂ cell validates the practical applicability of the binder design.