Recent Progress on Organic Electrodes Materials for Rechargeable Batteries and Supercapacitors

Rechargeable batteries are essential elements for many applications, ranging from portable use up to electric vehicles. Among them, lithium-ion batteries have taken an increasing importance in the day life. However, they suffer of several limitations: safety concerns and risks of thermal runaway, cost, and high carbon footprint, starting with the extraction of the transition metals in ores with low metal content. These limitations were the motivation for an intensive research to replace the inorganic electrodes by organic electrodes. Subsequently, the disadvantages that are mentioned above are overcome, but are replaced by new ones, including the solubility of the organic molecules in the electrolytes and lower operational voltage. However, recent progress has been made. The lower voltage, even though it is partly compensated by a larger capacity density, may preclude the use of organic electrodes for electric vehicles, but the very long cycling lives and the fast kinetics reached recently suggest their use in grid storage and regulation, and possibly in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The purpose of this work is to review the different results and strategies that are currently being used to obtain organic electrodes that make them competitive with lithium-ion batteries for such applications.

Miniaturized pH Holographic Sensors for the Monitoring of Lactobacillus casei Shirota Growth in a Microfluidic Chip

Bioreactors have been used both to develop new, and to improve bioprocess yields for, biopharmaceutical products. However, efforts to miniaturize bioreactors, in order to save costs and accelerate process development times, have been limited by the lack of on-site monitoring capabilities available at such scales. In this study, small volume (3 nL) nonconsumptive holographic sensors were integrated into a glass-PDMS microfluidic chip to monitor via a blue-shift in the resultant holographic replay wavelength, the change in pH during microbial growth of Lactobacillus casei ( L. casei) Shirota. Within the optimal growth pH range of L. casei, the accuracy of the miniaturized pH sensors was comparable to that of a conventional pH meter. Conceivably, this approach could be extrapolated to an array of miniaturized holographic sensors sensitive to different analytes, and thereby paving the way for reliable, real-time, noninvasive monitoring of microorganisms in a nanobioreactor.

Improvement of the electrochemical and singlet fission properties of anthraquinones by modification of the diradical character

Quantum chemistry is employed to estimate the effects that the structural modification of 1,5- and 9,10-anthraquinones produces in their electronic structure, in the pursuit of a common strategy to improve the electrochemical and singlet fission features on conjugated quinones.

A Redox Conjugated Polymer-Based All-Solid-State Reference Electrode

This work reports the design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel redox-active conjugated polyaniline containing quinone moiety as a solid state reference electrode. The union of electro-active quinone with π-conjugated polyaniline was created by the first chemical synthesis of para-dimethoxybenzene-functionalized aniline as a monomer using a palladium-mediated coupling. The successful polymerization of the as-prepared monomer was accomplished without acid additives. Its post-polymerization modification with strong Lewis acid boron tribromide furnished unique poly (aniline quinone/hydroquinone) with desired properties for all-solid-state reference electrode (RE) applications. The electrochemical responses from the conjugated polyaniline backbone in this unique polymer have been “suppressed” by the quinone pendant. The resulting poly (aniline quinone) showed a quasi-reversible redox process from the redox behavior of the pendant quinone. The stable electrode potential of this poly (aniline quinone/hydroquinone) suggested that it was a single phase in which the amounts of totally reduced and totally oxidized species could be maintained at a constant in various solvents and electrolytes. Its electrochemical stability was excellent with 95% peak current retention after continuous cyclic voltammetric testing. The aniline and quinone moieties in poly (aniline quinone/hydroquinone) render it to have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compatibility. It showed excellent behavior as a reference electrode in aqueous and non-aqueous media and can be used in both non-zero current and zero-current conditions, providing a stable potential with a maximum potential drift of ~4.7 mV over ten consecutive days.

Three-Electron Redox Enabled Dithiocarboxylate Electrode for Superior Lithium Storage Performance

Organic carboxyl compounds are promising anode candidates for lithium ion batteries in which oxygen-related redox dominates the reaction mechanisms. Herein, two nanostructured organic electrodes of π-extended naphthyl-based dicarboxylate and dithiocarboxylate compounds, namely sodium naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylate (SND) and sodium naphthalene-2,6-bis(carbothioate) (SNB) are first synthesized and investigated systematically for lithium ion battery. Through introducing less electronegative sulfur atoms into carboxylic groups at molecular level, SNB exhibits a different voltage profile and delivers higher reversible capacity of 280 mAh g^-1 than SND (198 mAh g^-1) at a current density of 50 mA g^-1. A combination of electrochemical properties and DFT calculations reveals that SNB could reversibly store three Li⁺ per formula unit, while SND only stores two Li⁺. The present work offers a new strategy to develop redox molecules with tunable redox potentials and accommodation more alkaline ions for high performance battery systems.

Sensor applications of polypyrrole for oxynitrogen analytes: a DFT study

Density functional theory calculations are performed to evaluate the sensing ability of polypyrrole for oxynitrogen analytes. Interaction energies of PPy-X (X = NO₂^-, NO₂, and NO) are calculated at B3LYP-CP/6-31G(d) and B3LYP/6-31G(d) levels of theory and compared with the high level calibrated method (M05-2X/aug-cc-pVDZ). B3LYP-CP/6-31G(d) gives the best correlation with the high level calibrated method compared to B3LYP/6-31G(d). Interaction of oligopyrrole with analytes shows a significant effect on the geometric and electronic properties; the conjugation is increased in the pyrrole oligomers and movement of charge is increased over the polymeric backbone. The charge is transferred from analytes to pyrrole oligomers (except nPy-NO₂), and a more pronounced effect of charge transfer is observed in the case of nitrite ion (NO₂^-) compared to NO. In nPy-NO₂, the charge is transferred from polymer to analyte. This transfer of charge indicates the n-type doping effect of analytes. The HOMO-LUMO gap decreases after interaction with analytes, which results in a drop of resistance (conductivity increases). These theoretical outcomes are consistent with the experimental results; polypyrrole has more sensing ability toward the nitrite anion (NO₂^-). Graphical abstract High sensitivity of polypyrrole towards NO over NO₂ and NO₂^.

Dual electrical switching permeability of vesicles via redox-responsive self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers and polyoxometalates

Electro-responsive vesicles were demonstrated based on an amphiphilic block copolymer PEO114-b-P(DCH-Ru)n and an inorganic nanoparticle polyoxometalate H3PMo12O40 (PMo12) via electrostatic interactions. After undergoing electrochemical reactions, vesicle membranes allow the migration of electrolyte ions and release of loaded cargos.

Stable Radical Materials for Energy Applications

Although less studied than their closed-shell counterparts, materials containing stable open-shell chemistries have played a key role in many energy storage and energy conversion devices. In particular, the oxidation-reduction (redox) properties of these stable radicals have made them a substantial contributor to the progress of organic batteries. Moreover, the use of radical-based materials in photovoltaic devices and thermoelectric systems has allowed for these emerging molecules to have impacts in the energy conversion realm. Additionally, the unique doublet states of radical-based materials provide access to otherwise inaccessible spin states in optoelectronic devices, offering many new opportunities for efficient usage of energy in light-emitting devices. Here, we review the current state of the art regarding the molecular design, synthesis, and application of stable radicals in these energy-related applications. Finally, we point to fundamental and applied arenas of future promise for these designer open-shell molecules, which have only just begun to be evaluated in full.

Synthesis, structures, electrochemical and quantum chemical investigations of Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes with a tetradentate Schiff base derived from 1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione

Electrochemical oxidation of four-coordinate square planar Schiff-base Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) complexes leads to the formation of oligomers at the electrode.

Heavy Metal-Free Tannin from Bark for Sustainable Energy Storage

A novel renewable cathode made from earth abundant, low-cost materials can contribute to the intermittent storage needs of renewable energy-based society. In this work, we report for the first-time tannin from Nature as a cathode material. Our approach exploits the charge storage mechanism of the redox active quinone moiety. Tannins extracted from tree bark using environmental friendly aqueous solvents have the highest phenol content (5.56 mol g^-1) among all the natural phenolic biopolymers, 5000 times higher than lignin. Tannins coupled with a conductive polymer polypyrrole acquire high specific capacitance values of 370 F g^-1 at 0.5 A g^-1 as well as excellent rate performance of 196 F g^-1 at 25 A g^-1. Additionally, we employed carbonized wood as an electrode substrate to produce a sustainable electrochemical device with dramatically improved performance compared to conventional devices. The high surface area provided by the well-aligned, cellular porosity of wood-derived substrate combined with the high mobility of ions and electrons in the carbonized cell walls and deposited tannin can achieve an areal capacitance of 4.6 F cm^-2 at 1 mA cm^-2, which is 1.5 times higher than activated wood carbon.

Molecular Engineering with Organic Carbonyl Electrode Materials for Advanced Stationary and Redox Flow Rechargeable Batteries

Organic carbonyl electrode materials that have the advantages of high capacity, low cost and being environmentally friendly, are regarded as powerful candidates for next-generation stationary and redox flow rechargeable batteries (RFBs). However, low carbonyl utilization, poor electronic conductivity and undesired dissolution in electrolyte are urgent issues to be solved. Here, we summarize a molecular engineering approach for tuning the capacity, working potential, concentration of active species, kinetics, and stability of stationary and redox flow batteries, which well resolves the problems of organic carbonyl electrode materials. As an example, in stationary batteries, 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ) with two carbonyls delivers a capacity of 257 mAh g^-1 (2.27 V vs Li⁺ /Li), while increasing the number of carbonyls to four with the formation of 5,7,12,14-pentacenetetrone results in a higher capacity of 317 mAh g^-1 (2.60 V vs Li⁺ /Li). In RFBs, AQ, which is less soluble in aqueous electrolyte, reaches 1 M by grafting -SO₃ H with the formation of 9,10-anthraquinone-2,7-disulphonic acid, resulting in a power density exceeding 0.6 W cm^-2 with long cycling life. Therefore, through regulating substituent groups, conjugated structures, Coulomb interactions, and the molecular weight, the electrochemical performance of carbonyl electrode materials can be rationally optimized. This review offers fundamental principles and insight into designing advanced carbonyl materials for the electrodes of next-generation rechargeable batteries.

Electroactive Biofilms for Sensing: Reflections and Perspectives

Microbial electrochemistry has from the onset been recognized for its sensing potential due to the microbial ability to enhance signals through metabolic cascades, its relative selectivity toward substrates, and the higher stability conferred by the microbial ability to self-replicate. The greatest challenge has been to achieve stable and efficient transduction between a microorganism and an electrode surface. Over the past decades, a new kind of microbial architecture has been observed to spontaneously develop on polarized electrodes: the electroactive biofilm (EAB). The EAB conducts electrons over long distances and performs quasi-reversible electron transfer on conventional electrode surfaces. It also possesses self-regenerative properties. In only a few years, EABs have inspired considerable research interest for use as biosensors for environmental or bioprocess monitoring. Multiple challenges still need to be overcome before implementation at larger scale of this new kind of biosensors can be realized. This perspective first introduces the specific characteristics of the EAB with respect to other electrochemical biosensors. It summarizes the sensing applications currently proposed for EABs, stresses their limitations, and suggests strategies toward potential solutions. Conceptual prospects to engineer EABs for sensing purposes are also discussed.

Crystal structures of the polymer precursors 3-(2,5-dimeth-oxy-3,4,6-tri-methyl-phen-yl)propyl methacrylate and 3-(2,4,5-trimethyl-3,6-dioxo-cyclo-hexa-1,4-dien-yl)propyl methacrylate

The closely related title compounds, 3-(2,5-dimeth-oxy-3,4,6-tri-methyl-phen-yl)propyl methacrylate, C18H26O4 (I), and 3-(2,4,5-trimethyl-3,6-dioxo-cyclo-hexa-1,4-dien-yl)propyl methacrylate, C16H20O4 (II), are monomers suitable for the preparation of redox polymers. They consist of a propyl-methacrylate group and three methyl substituents on di-meth-oxy-benzene and quinone cores, respectively. Both crystal structures feature weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and C-H⋯π(ring) contacts between methyl groups and the six-membered rings.

Reactions of Dilithium Dibenzopentalenides with Cr(CO)3 (CH3 CN)3 : Unexpected Formation of a Cubic Tetramer of an Anionic Hydrodibenzopentalenyl Complex

To explore the coordination chemistry of dibenzopentalene dianion, reactions of two dilithium dibenzopentalenides having different silyl substituents with Cr(CO)₃ (CH₃ CN)₃ were investigated. The products were unexpected anionic complexes, [Li(Et₂ O)]⁺ [Cr(η⁵ -9-hydrodibenzopentalenyl)(CO)₃ ]^- . The proton at the 9-position is derived from Cr(CO)₃ (CH₃ CN)₃ , as evidenced by the use of Cr(CO)₃ (CD₃ CN)₃ . The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the chromium is coordinated by an anionic five-membered ring of the pentalene skeleton, and the lithium atom is coordinated by oxygen atoms of the carbonyl groups. The complexes form a dimer or a cage-like tetramer via carbonyl-lithium interactions, depending on the bulk of the silyl groups. The cubic tetramer appears to retain its cage structure in nonpolar solvents such as benzene.

Synthesis of Dimethyl-Substituted Polyviologen and Control of Charge Transport in Electrodes for High-Resolution Electrochromic Displays

Electrochromic (EC) polymers such as polyviologens have been attracting considerable attention as wet-processable electrodes for EC displays, thanks to their brilliant color change accompanied with reversible redox reactions. To establish wider usage, achieving multicolor and high-resolution characteristics is indispensable. In this paper, we demonstrated that the introduction of substituents such as methyl groups into bipyridine units changed the stereostructure of the cation radicals, and thus shifted the color (e.g., ordinary purple to blue). Also, by relaxing excessive π-stacking between the viologen moieties, the response rate was improved by a factor of more than 10. The controlled charge transport throughout the polyviologen layer gave rise to the fabrication of EC displays which are potentially suitable for the thin film transistor (TFT) substrate as the counter electrodes with submillimeter pixels. The findings can be versatilely used for the new design of polyviologens with enhanced electrochemical properties and high-resolution, multicolor EC displays.

Self-Supported Polypyrrole/Polyvinylsulfate Films: Electrochemical Synthesis, Characterization, and Sensing Properties of Their Redox Reactions

Thick films of polypyrrole/polyvinylsulfate (PPy/PVS) blends were electrogenerated on stainless-steel electrodes under potentiostatic conditions from aqueous solution. The best electropolymerization potential window was determined by cyclic voltammetry. After removing the film from the back metal, self-supported electrodes were obtained. Voltammetric, coulovoltammetric, and chronoamperometric responses from a LiClO4 aqueous solution indicated the formation of an energetically stable structure beyond a reduction threshold of the material. Its subsequent oxidation required higher anodic voltammetric overpotentials or longer chronoamperometric oxidation times. This structure was attributed to the formation of lamellar or vacuolar structures. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the films under different oxidations states revealed that the electrochemical reactions drive the reversible exchange of cations between the film and the electrolyte. The electrical energy and the charge consumed by the reversible reaction of the film under voltammetric conditions between the constant potential limits are a function of the potential scan rate, that is, they sense the working electrochemical conditions.

Stimuli responsive self-healing polymers: gels, elastomers and membranes

The development of responsive polymers with self-healing properties has expanded significantly which allow for the fabrication of complex materials in a highly controllable manner, for diverse uses in biomaterials science, electronics, sensors and actuators and coating technologies.

One-pot synthesis of electro-active polymer gels via Cu(0)-mediated radical polymerization and click chemistry

Electro-active polymer gels are prepared via one-pot Cu(0)-mediated radical polymerization and click chemistry.

Poly(o-aminophenol) prepared by Cu(ii) catalyzed air oxidation and its use as a bio-sensing architecture

A novel procedure for the preparation of organosoluble poly(o-aminophenol) is described.

EF, Zhao Y. Redox-dependent properties of DTF-endcapped π-oligomers

Solid films of electroactive π-conjugated oligomers show distinct redox behaviour from that in solution, with interesting morphological changes accompanying oxidation.

Simultaneous doping and crosslinking of polythiophene films

We present a click chemistry approach for the synthesis of conjugated redox polymers based on highly regioregular polythiophenes with tunable amounts of pendant redox-active triphenylamine (TPA) groups. Solution-deposited films can be simultaneously doped and crosslinked by electrochemical or chemical oxidation.