Bottom-Up Design of Configurable Oligomer-Derived Conducting Metallopolymers for High-Power Electrochemical Energy Storage

In this Perspective, we sketch out a vision of fast charging and self-healable energy systems that are primarily organic, feature only abundant elements, and operate with ions other than lithium. Using conductive oligomers as highly configurable building blocks, it is possible to create intrinsically adaptable conductive polymeric networks that can be rejuvenated and recycled using simple and safe chemical treatments. Using the versatile organic chemistry toolbox, these oligomers can be further functionalized, for example, with redox-active side chains for high charge storage capacity and ligands capable of complexing metal centers. Cross-linking with metal ions converts the soluble oligomers into insoluble supramolecular networks to yield high-performing electrode materials. The oligomer-based approach can thus provide an exceptional level of control to the design of organic-based battery materials.

Automated summary

In this Perspective, the vision of fast charging and self-healable energy systems is outlined, which are primarily organic and operate with ions other than lithium. Using conductive oligomers as configurable building blocks, adaptive conductive polymeric networks can be created, rejuvenated, and recycled. Functionalization with redox-active side chains and metal center-complexing ligands allows for high charge storage capacity, while cross-linking with metal ions yields high-performing electrode materials. This oligomer-based approach provides exceptional control over the design of organic-based battery materials.