Effects of styrene-butadiene rubber/carboxymethylcellulose (SBR/CMC) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) binders on the electrochemical characteristics of a type of microsize MCMB (mesocarbon microbeads) anode (SMA) at low temperature are investigated by cold/heat shock testing, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, coin cell testing and 18650 full cell testing. Under low temperature conditions and compared to the SMA electrode with a SBR/CMC binder, the SMA electrode with a PVDF binder has lower impedance, lower charge transfer resistance, better rate capability and superior cycleability. (C) 2013 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.