April 7 - 11, 2025
Seattle, Washington
Symposium Supporters
2025 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit
SU03.01.03

From Redox-Active Materials to a Sustainable All-Organic Polymer-Based Battery

When and Where

Apr 8, 2025
11:15am - 11:30am
Summit, Level 4, Room 447

Presenter(s)

Co-Author(s)

Xhesilda Fataj1,2,Andreas Achazi3,4,Simon Münch1,2,Christian Stolze1,2,Doreen Mollenhauer3,4,Martin Hager1,2,5,Ulrich Schubert1,2,5

Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC, Lehrstuhl II/Schubert) Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena1,Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena), Friedrich Schiller University Jena2,Center for Materials Research Justus-Liebig University, Giessen3,Institute of Physical Chemistry, Justus-Liebig University Giessen4,Helmholtz Institute for Polymers in Energy Applications Jena (HIPOLE Jena)5

Abstract

Xhesilda Fataj1,2,Andreas Achazi3,4,Simon Münch1,2,Christian Stolze1,2,Doreen Mollenhauer3,4,Martin Hager1,2,5,Ulrich Schubert1,2,5

Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC, Lehrstuhl II/Schubert) Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena1,Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena), Friedrich Schiller University Jena2,Center for Materials Research Justus-Liebig University, Giessen3,Institute of Physical Chemistry, Justus-Liebig University Giessen4,Helmholtz Institute for Polymers in Energy Applications Jena (HIPOLE Jena)5
Sustainability is a critical focus in current research, particularly in the development of energy storage systems like batteries. Redox-active molecules in organic batteries offer a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which depend in a large part on non-sustainable heavy metal salts. [1] In this study, we propose a new class of redox-active molecules based on benzothiazole, benzoxazole, and benzimidazole as potential candidates for polymers in organic (radical) batteries. Through a combination of theoretical and experimental approaches, we identified promising molecules for these applications. [2] [3]
Among the three classes of molecules investigated, the benzoxazole-based molecule exhibited the most stable electrochemical properties. We present theoretically calculated redox properties for both the monomer and polymer, using density functional theory (DFT) models of monomers and small polymer chains. The theoretical work was followed by the synthesis of poly(4-(benzoxazol-2-yl)-1-(4-vinylbenzyl)pyridinium chloride) (PBO) via radical polymerization. [4]

When developing novel polymeric materials for organic batteries, several factors must be considered, including the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the synthetic process, as well as the sustainability of the material. This research investigates the performance of benzoxazole-based redox-active polymers in both organic and water-based electrolyte systems, using well-established TEMPO derivatives as cathode materials. [5] Our findings show that the PBO anode performs well in both electrolyte environments, indicating its potential for application in all-organic batteries. This work paves the way for the development of new organic anode materials, expanding the options available for sustainable battery technologies.


[1] J. Kim, Y. Kim, J. Yoo, G. Kwon, Y. Ko, K. Kang, Nature Reviews Materials 2023, 8, 54-70.
[2] X. Fataj, A. J. Achazi, P. Rohland, E. Schröter, S. Muench, R. Burges, K. L. H. Pohl, D. Mollenhauer, M. D. Hager, U. S. Schubert, Chemistry A European Journal 2023, e202302979.
[3] A. J. Achazi, X. Fataj, P. Rohland, M. D. Hager, U. S. Schubert, D. Mollenhauer, Journal of Computational Chemistry 2024, 45, 1112-1129
[4] Benzoxazole-based anode material for sustainable all-organic polymer-based batteries; manuscript under preparation 2024
[5] E. Schröter, L. Elbinger, M. Mignon, C. Friebe, J. C. Brendel, M. D. Hager, U. S. Schubert, Journal of Power Sources 2023, 556, 232293.

Keywords

polymer

Symposium Organizers

Zheng Chen, University of California, San Diego
Minah Lee, Pohang University of Science and Technology
Ge Li, University of Alberta
Chiara Ferrara, University Milano Bicocca

Symposium Support

Bronze
NEWARE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

Session Chairs

Zheng Chen
Minah Lee

In this Session