Department of Materials Science and Engineering Fall Seminar Series: Studying the Effect of Polymer Binders on the Electrochemical Performance and Stability of MnO₂ Cathodes in Rechargeable Zn-MnO2 Batteries

Description

Deepa Madan, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UMBC, will give a talk titled "Studying the Effect of Polymer Binders on the Electrochemical Performance and Stability of MnO₂ Cathodes in Rechargeable Zn-MnO2 Batteries" for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

Abstract:

Zinc–manganese dioxide (Zn–MnO₂) batteries have gained considerable attention due to their natural abundance, environmental safety, and potential for stationary energy storage. While binders play a critical role in battery performance by ensuring mechanical integrity and facilitating electron and ion transport, they are often overlooked in the design of Zn–MnO₂ systems. This study investigates the influence of different polymeric binders—including the commonly used polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and water-based alternatives such as polyvinyl alcohol–polyacrylic acid (PVA–PAA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)—on cathode morphology, wettability, and electrochemical performance.

Advanced characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Raman spectroscopy were employed to examine the structural and surface properties of the cathodes. Wettability, crucial for electrolyte infiltration, was assessed via the sessile drop method. Electrochemical performance was evaluated through galvanostatic cycling to determine the specific capacity.