Bottom-Up Design of Configurable Oligomer-Derived Conducting Metallopolymers for High-Power Electrochemical Energy Storage

Abstract

In this Perspective, we sketch out a vision of fast charging and self-healable energy systems that are primarily organic, feature only abundant elements, and operate with ions other than lithium. Using conductive oligomers as highly configurable building blocks, it is possible to create intrinsically adaptable conductive polymeric networks that can be rejuvenated and recycled using simple and safe chemical treatments. Using the versatile organic chemistry toolbox, these oligomers can be further functionalized, for example, with redox-active side chains for high charge storage capacity and ligands capable of complexing metal centers. Cross-linking with metal ions converts the soluble oligomers into insoluble supramolecular networks to yield high-performing electrode materials. The oligomer-based approach can thus provide an exceptional level of control to the design of organic-based battery materials.

Superior performance enabled by supramolecular interactions in metal−organic cathode: the power of weak bonds

“…33,34 These weak interactions are also responsible for the exibility and self-healing properties of polymeric materials. 35,36 Despite these useful aspects, supramolecular interactions have rarely been mentioned in the context of energy storage. Recently, a few small-molecule-based cathodes have been reported to utilize weak intermolecular interactions such as H-bonding and pinteractions to stabilize the structures, therefore improving the cycling performance.…”

Nano and Plants

“…His research focuses on the modeling of electrochemical interfaces at the molecular scale, with a particular emphasis on energy storage devices. In particular, he aims at understanding the charging mechanisms of nanostructured electrodes for supercapacitors . He now explores new electrolyte designs such as water-in-salts, in which the nano-organization of the liquid impacts both the bulk and interfacial properties, opening the way toward the development of aqueous batteries.…”

Metal-organic frameworks for fast electrochemical energy storage: Mechanisms and opportunities

“…4,5 These systems can be made fully from abundant elements such as Na, C, N, and O and can be potentially produced by sustainable methods. 4,5,6 Practical implementation of systems that possess such compositions remains challenging for several reasons: 1) transition to lithium-free energy systems requires the design of materials that are capable of reversibly accommodating larger cations; [5][6][7] 2) insufficient chemical 8 and electrochemical stability 5 of organic-based materials leads to unsatisfactory cycle life 6,9 ; and 3) an additional set of requirements is imposed on material properties and electrode and device architectures for fast electrochemical energy storage (EES) applications (e.g., high power). 10 In addition to a high density of redox active sites (and hence, high capacities), these sites should be readily accessible to both ions and electrons to achieve fast charging kinetics.…”