Conjugated Imine Polymer Synthesized via Step‐Growth Metathesis for Highly Stable Silicon Nanoparticle Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries. Issue 13 (17th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Trevor R.; Rynearson, Leah; Kuller, Mackenzie; Quinn, Joseph; Wang, Chongmin; Lucht, Brett; Neale, Nathan R.
• Is Part Of: Advanced energy materials. Volume 13:Issue 13(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-02-17
• Subjects: conjugated polymers -- lithium‐ion batteries -- nanoparticles -- silicon anodes; Energy harvesting -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Materials -- Periodicals; Photovoltaics -- Periodicals; Fuel cells -- Periodicals; Thermoelectric materials -- Periodicals; 621.31
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202203921
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1614-6832

Abstract

Abstract: This work reports a new method to synthesize polyphenylmethanimine (polyPMI) as a linear or a hyperbranched, conjugated polymer using an aldehyde‐imine metathesis reaction. This work details the reaction mechanisms of this polymerization by characterizing a red‐shift in its absorption spectrum as polymer conjugation length increases and verifies that this optical shift results from extended π‐condensation using density functional theory. This new synthetic approach provides a polymer that can potentially be depolymerized for facile recyclability and is compatible with air‐ and water‐sensitive chemistries. As an example of the utility of this new approach, this work demonstrates that this polymer can be directly grown on silicon nanoparticles to create silicon anodes for lithium‐ion batteries with a high degree of electrochemical interfacial passivation. These silicon anodes exhibit Coulombic efficiencies above 99.9% and can accommodate silicon nanoparticle expansion and contraction during lithiation and delithiation as demonstrated by stable reversible capacities for 500 cycles. Finally, this work demonstrates that polyPMI facilitates the formation of a lithium fluoride rich solid electrolyte interphase that remains chemically and mechanically stable after long term cycling. Abstract : This article describes a simple and robust method to synthesize semiconducting conjugated polymers using a novel step‐growth metathesis reaction that is applicable to a variety of energy materials. This method does not produce water and is amenable to air/water sensitive materials. For example, this method is used to effectively passivate high surface area silicon nanoparticles for lithium‐ion battery anodes.