LiPAA

LiPAA, or lithium polyacrylate, is the lithium salt of polyacrylic acid (PAA). It is a polyelectrolyte composed of repeating acrylic acid units where carboxylate groups are neutralized by lithium counterions. LiPAA is typically prepared by partially or fully neutralizing polyacrylic acid with lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate, producing a material that can be processed as a solid, a gel, or an aqueous solution depending on hydration and cross-linking.

Properties of LiPAA are governed by the degree of neutralization, hydration level, and any cross-linking or blending. The material is hygroscopic and can facilitate lithium-ion transport when swollen with water or other solvents. It forms flexible, adherent films and coatings and is often water-dispersible, which makes it attractive as a binder or processing aid in various electrochemical applications. The electrochemical stability window and ionic conductivity depend on formulation, including water content and the presence of additives or fillers.

Applications of LiPAA are primarily in energy storage and electrochemistry. It is used as an aqueous-processable binder for electrodes in lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries, as a component of gel or solid polymer electrolytes, and in composite electrolytes where mechanical robustness is sought alongside ionic transport. LiPAA can be blended with other polymers or inorganic fillers to tailor conductivity and mechanical properties.

Safety and handling follow general polymer and lithium salt guidelines. See also polyacrylic acid, polymer electrolytes, and lithium-ion battery components.