Synthesis and Charge–Discharge Studies of Poly(ethynylphenyl)galvinoxyles and Their Use in Organic Radical Batteries with Aqueous Electrolytes

The synthesis and electrochemical characterization of polymers that bear galvinoxyles in the side chains is described. The monomers are synthesized employing C-C coupling reactions, polymerized with Rh(nbd)BPh4 as a catalyst, and subsequently oxidized. These galvinoxyl-containing polymers represent interesting anode materials for organic radical batteries and employ stable organic radicals, which are bound to polymers; hereby, metals and metal oxides, as active compounds, can be replaced. With the use of ethynylphenyl-galvinoxyles as anode-active material and poly(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl)methacrylate (PTMA) as cathode-active material, metal-free batteries with an aqueous and environment-friendly electrolyte are built. These cells are tested for their charge and discharge capacities.