Iterative Synthesis of Contorted Macromolecular Ladders for Fast-Charging and Long-Life Lithium Batteries

Zexin Jin*, Qian Cheng, Si Tong Bao, Ruiwen Zhang, Austin M. Evans, Fay Ng, Yunyao Xu, Michael L. Steigerwald, Ann E. McDermott, Yuan Yang*, Colin Nuckolls*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We report here an iterative synthesis of long helical perylene diimide (hPDI[n]) nanoribbons with a length up to 16 fused benzene rings. These contorted, ladder-type conjugated, and atomically precise nanoribbons show great potential as organic fast-charging and long-lifetime battery cathodes. By tuning the length of the hPDI[n] oligomers, we can simultaneously modulate the electrical conductivity and ionic diffusivity of the material. The length of the ladders adjusts both the conjugation for electron transport and the contortion for lithium-ion transport. The longest oligomer, hPDI[6], when fabricated as the cathode in lithium batteries, features both high electrical conductivity and high ionic diffusivity. This electrode material exhibits a high power density and can be charged in less than 1 min to 66% of its maximum capacity. Remarkably, this material also has exceptional cycling stability and can operate for up to 10,000 charging-discharging cycles without any appreciable capacity decay. The design principles described here chart a clear path for organic battery electrodes that are sustainable, fast-charging, and long lasting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)13973-13980
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume144
Issue number30
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Aug 2022
Externally publishedYes

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