Chapter 11 - Advanced biodegradable polymer nanocomposites for rechargeable lithium and sodium-ion battery applications

Abstract

Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites are a diverse class of materials that include nanoscale elements introduced into a polymer matrix. These later have the property of being naturally disintegrated by microorganisms when disposed of in the natural environment. This addition has a positive impact on the overall improvement of the biodegradable polymer properties. Several advances have been made to develop these materials and broaden their application range. The use of biodegradable polymer nanocomposites in energy-storing materials has received a lot of attention. Because of their various performances, lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries are currently the most popular batteries on the market. The use of biodegradable polymer nanocomposites as a main component or in high percentage amounts in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries seems to be an important step to first, reduce pollution caused when these products are disposed of in nature, and second, improve the general properties of the batteries by inheriting the outstanding intrinsic properties of biodegradable materials such as their low density, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. This book chapter will present the most recent advances in the field of biodegradable polymer nanocomposite materials used in both lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. Each battery component, namely, binders for electrodes, separator, and polymer electrolyte, will be thoroughly discussed in terms of challenges, requirements, and improvements.