Unusual Internal Electron Transfer in Conjugated Radical Polymers

Journal Article · 18 July 2017 · Angewandte Chemie

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.201705204 · OSTI ID:1378304

Li, Fei ^[1]; Gore, Danielle N. ^[1]; Wang, Shaoyang ^[1]; Lutkenhaus, Jodie L.  ^[1]

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1. Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, T exas A&,M University 3122 TAMU College Station TX 77843-3122 USA

Abstract Nitroxide‐containing organic radical polymers (ORPs) have captured attention for their high power and fast redox kinetics. Yet a major challenge is the polymer's aliphatic backbone, resulting in a low electronic conductivity. Recent attempts that replace the aliphatic backbone with a conjugated one have not met with success. The reason for this is not understood until now. We examine a family of polythiophenes bearing nitroxide radical groups, showing that while both species are electrochemically active, there exists an internal electron transfer mechanism that interferes with stabilization of the polymer's fully oxidized form. This finding directs the future design of conjugated radical polymers in energy storage and electronics, where careful attention to the redox potential of the backbone relative to the organic radical species is needed.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: SC0014006
• OSTI ID: 1378304
• Journal Information: Angewandte Chemie, Journal Name: Angewandte Chemie Journal Issue: 33 Vol. 129; ISSN 0044-8249
• Publisher: Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: Germany
• Language: English