Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become indispensable energy-storage devices for various applications, ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. The performance and reliability of LIBs depend on several key components, including the electrodes, separators, and electrolytes. Among these, the choice of binder materials for the electrodes plays a critical role in determining the overall performance and durability of LIBs. This review introduces polymer binders that have been traditionally used in the cathode, anode, and separator materials of LIBs. Furthermore, it explores the problems identified in traditional polymer binders and examines the research trends in next-generation polymer binder materials for lithium-ion batteries as alternatives. To date, the widespread use of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent in lithium battery electrode production has been a standard practice. However, recent concerns regarding its high toxicity have prompted increased environmental scrutiny and the imposition of strict chemical regulations. As a result, there is a growing urgency to explore alternatives that are both environmentally benign and safer for use in battery manufacturing. This pressing need is further underscored by the rising demand for diverse binder research within the lithium battery industry. In light of the current emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility, it is imperative to investigate a range of binder options that can align with the evolving landscape of green and eco-conscious battery production. In this review paper, we introduce various binder options that can align with the evolving landscape of environmentally friendly and sustainable battery production, considering the current emphasis on battery performance enhancement and environmental responsibility.

Glassy hydrocarbon-based membranes are being researched as a replacement for perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Here, naphthalene containing Poly(arylene Ether Ketone) was introduced into the Poly(p-phenylene)-based multi-block copolymers through Ni(0)-catalyzed coupling reaction to enhance π-π interactions of the naphthalene units. It is discovered that there is an optimum input ratio of the hydrophilic monomer and NBP oligomer for the multi-block copolymers with high ion exchange capacity (IEC) and polymerization yield. With the optimum input ratio, the naphthalene containing copolymer exhibits good hydrogen gas barrier property, chemical stability, and mechanical toughness, even with its high IEC value over 2.4 meq g⁻¹. The membrane shows 3.6 times higher proton selectivity to hydrogen gas than Nafion 212. The PEMWE single cells using the membrane performed better (5.5 A cm⁻²) than Nafion 212 (4.75 A cm⁻²) at 1.9 V and 80 °C. These findings suggest that naphthalene containing copolymer membranes are a promising replacement for PFSA membranes in PEMWE.