This work seeks to develop polypeptide nanocomposites containing organic radicals as battery electrode components to circumvent the drawbacks of conventional lithium ion batteries, e.g., use of scarce resources, high carbon emissions, and high-cost recycling. Polymer frameworks carrying 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) moieties are recognized as viable candidates for next-generation battery electrodes, due to the stabilities and redox processes of the nitroxide radicals. Inspired by TEMPO-based vinyl polymer electrodes and anticipating that the secondary structures adopted by polypeptides will provide opportunities to control the placement of radicals in three-dimensional space by tuning the distribution of radicals along polymer backbones, block copolypeptides containing TEMPO moieties and carbon nanotube (CNT) stabilizers (i.e., alkenyl and pyrenyl) were designed for utilization in electrodes. This presentation will highlight the synthetic processes, followed by investigation of the physical and electrochemical properties of the materials, their secondary structures, and their ability to stabilize CNTs, by utilizing a variety of thermal, spectroscopic, and imaging techniques. It is anticipated that the synthetic development of radical polypeptide nanocomposites will address needs in the advancement of high-performance and sustainable alternative energy sources (e.g., Li-free batteries, supercapacitors, and biosensors) towards a greener and more sustainable world, which is facing a never-ending demand for energy technologies.

Development of nitroxide radical-containing polypeptides for battery applications

256th National Meeting (2018)

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