Green Path to Power: Spray-Printed LNMO Cathodes Using Cyrene for Sustainable Lithium-Ion Battery Production

This investigation delves into the innovative application of spray-printing methods for fabricating lithium nickel manganese oxide cathodes (LiN$\mathrm{i}_{0.5}{M}\mathrm{n}_{1.5}\mathrm{O}_{4}$), a vital component in lithium-ion batteries. The spotlight of this research focuses on the introduction and application of Cyrene, a sustainable bio-based solvent. Cyrene is recognized as an environmentally-friendly substitute for conventional hazardous solvents, specifically N-Methy1-2-pyrrolidone. These harmful solvents are typically utilized in the formulation of cathode slurries and have been a cause for concern due to their negative impact on the environment and human health. In this research, the PVDF binder was replaced with a homopolymer that offers the same processing properties but dissolves in a wider range of solvents, including Cyrene. The spray-printed LiN$\mathrm{i}_{0.5}\text{M}\mathrm{n}_{1.5}\mathrm{O}_{4}$ cathodes, utilizing this green approach, demonstrated excellent adhesion and surface morphology, thereby underlining the potential of such eco-friendly methods in battery manufacturing.