L-Glutamic acid-based polypeptides with pendant viologen moieties were designed for utilization as viable next-generation battery anode materials, due to their stabilities and redox processes. The helical structure adopted by these polypeptides provides opportunities to control the placement of the redox-active moieties in three-dimensional space by tuning their distribution along the polymer backbones. This presentation will highlight the development of a library of viologen-containing polypeptides with varying configurations (α-helix vs. random coil), side chain lengths and molecular weights. Their oxidation and reduction potentials were determined using cyclic voltammetry of the polypeptides in thin films on a current collector, to mimic the swollen state of battery electrodes. In addition, the charge transfer kinetics and ion diffusion were assessed utilizing chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, respectively. The rate of charge transfer between adjacent redox-active groups (heterogeneous transfer, kex,app) and between the redox-active groups and current collector (homogeneous transfer, k°) will also be presented and compared to other polymers with viologen pendant groups. It is anticipated that this study will provide insights into the mechanism of electron transfer in redox-active polymers, towards the development of materials that can meet a wide range of energy demands.

Redox-active polypeptides: Study of the effect of secondary structures on electron transfer kinetics

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.