Structured-Liquid Batteries

Abstract

Chemical systems may be maintained far from equilibrium by sequestering otherwise reactive species into different microenvironments. It remains a significant challenge to control the amount of chemical energy stored in such systems and to utilize it on demand to perform useful work. Here, we show that redox-active molecules compartmentalized in multiphasic structured-liquid devices can be charged and discharged to power a load on an external circuit. The two liquid phases of these devices feature charge-complementary polyelectrolytes that serve a dual purpose: they generate an ionically conductive coacervate membrane at the liquid–liquid interface, providing structural support; they also mitigate active-material crossover between phases via ion pairing with the oppositely charged anolyte and catholyte active materials. Structured-liquid batteries enabled by this design were rechargeable over hundreds of hours. We envision that these devices may be integrated with soft electronics to enable functional circuits for smart textiles, medical implants, and wearables.

A Perspective on the Glass Transition and the Dynamics of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers and Complexes

“…Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) or polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are formed by the spontaneous association of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes (PEs) in aqueous solution, which can be influenced by noncovalent interactions. , Wide interest exists due to their remarkable potential as advanced functional materials with applications in drug delivery, − sensors, − batteries, − water treatment, − and more. The physical properties of PEMs and PECs can be manipulated by varying the assembly solution pH, ionic strength, salt type, and temperature, − which can yield a range of thermal and mechanical properties.…”

Liquid interfaces: an emerging platform for energy conversion and harvesting

“…8b and c). 102 In this system, polyelectrolytes are assembled at the interface to form an ionically permeable coacervate membrane between the anolyte and catholyte. Specifically, polyanions such as poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS-Na) in the anolyte combine with polycations such as poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMA-Cl) in the catholyte.…”

“…(e) Cycles from 20th to 25th (marked by the red box in (d)). Reproduced with permission 102. Copyright © 2022 American Chemical Society.…”

Stabilizing Liquids Using Interfacial Supramolecular Assemblies

“…This shaping and re-shaping can be done repeatedly, making assemblies or liquid shapes reconfigurable and responsive. [8] Since the structuring of liquids using NPSs was first realized in 2013 by Cui et al, [9] this new state of matter, having the transport characteristics of a liquid but the structural rigidity of a solid, has been used in 3D printed microfluidic devices, [10] all-liquid rechargeable cells, [11] and compartmentalized reaction systems, [12] to name a few.…”