Redox polymers bearing stable nitroxyl radical groups, such as poly-TEMPO-methacrylate (PTMA), are attractive candidates for application in power sources of novel kind, which combine the high power output of supercapacitors and high energy of rechargeable batteries. An important advantage of PTMA is the availability and low cost of the starting materials combined with high charging/discharging voltage, fast electron transfer kinetics and good mechanical properties of the polymer. However, low electron conductivity and high solubility in common organic electrolytes hamper the broad application of TEMPO-based compounds as cathode materials. In the present work, we report a simple strategy to overcome these limitations by the use of a practical and polymer-rich electrode based on redox-conducting polymer blends of polymerized nickel complexes with salen-type Schiff bases and PTMA. Electrochemical properties of the material are tested both in thin film systems and in asymmetric supercapacitor prototypes with aqueous electrolyte, which demonstrate high specific capacity (83 mAh g−1 at 1C, 53 mAh g−1 at 5C and 47 mAh g−1 at 10C), high rate capability as well as cycling stability (55% capacity retention after 1000 cycles).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1075-1084
Number of pages10
JournalElectrochimica Acta
Volume295
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2019

    Research areas

  • BATTERY, BLOCK-COPOLYMERS, CHARGE/DISCHARGE PROPERTIES, Conducting polymers, DERIVATIVES, ELECTRODES, Nickel salen complexes, Organic radical battery, PERFORMANCE, POLYACETYLENE, PTMA, PTMA CATHODE, REDOX POLYMERS, TEMPO, TEMPO MOIETIES

ID: 37245389