The RPOB project aimed on the development of redox co-polymer with enhanced ionic and/electronic conduction properties. To achieve this main goal, two synthetic strategies have been developed: I) Development of redox-active polymeric nanoparticles. II) Development of redox-active random co-polymer with inherent π conjugation and porosity. In the first strategic, it was hypothesized that the nanosizing of the redox-active particles would reduce the ion diffusion pathway for electrolyte to reach the core of the redox-active particles, and thus, will improve the ionic conduction properties within the material. In the second approach, it was rationalized that the π conjugation would improve the electronic conductivity of the polyimide material. While simultaneously the high surface area and pore structure would promote high ionic conductivity within the electrode composite after the liquid electrolyte has filled the networks and frameworks’ porosity due to the reduced diffusion pathways to access the redox active sites as compared to dense polymers.
The chemical structure and purity of all materials developed in this project was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and elemental analysis. Additionally, the structural properties were characterized by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis and dynamic light scattering. The electrochemical characterization of the monomer model molecules and the corresponding polymer was initially investigated by cyclic voltammetry in order to assess electrolyte compatibility.
Finally, the use of the redox co-polymers as active electrode materials in organic-based batteries was investigated. For this purpose, electrode formulation protocols were developed, and their cycling performance assessed in a coin cell configuration. Rate capability and long-term cycling stability of the battery prototypes were assessed and compared with the literature.
Over the course of the RPOB project, the ER published three research articles and one review article:
1. Chemical Engineering Journal 461, 142001 (2023).
2. Mater Horiz 10, 967–976 (2023).
3. Prog Polym Sci 122, 101449 (2021).
4. Sustainable Chemistry 2, 610–621 (2021).
Additionally, the ER is currently preparing three manuscripts with the remaining results from the RPOB project.
Finally, the ER participated in four international conferences over the course of the fellowship. Of which, three of them were with an oral presentation, and one as an invited speaker. The ER also gave an invited seminar as an outreach activity.
