Rechargeable Batteries Based on Specific Nonconjugated Conductive Polymers; Electrical, Optical and Structural Studies

Abstract

Rechargeable batteries based on specific nonconjugated conductive polymers have been studied and developed. Quadratic electro-optic effect and electron paramagnetic resonance characterization of a specific polymer was investigated. These studies provide further insight regarding the structure of nonconjugated conductive polymers leading to technological applications.

The nonconjugated conducing polymers like cis-1, 4 polyisoprene and poly(ß-pinene) have applications as energy storage device such as rechargeable batteries. The capacity measurements and its recharge cycle were made to study the battery life and performance. Emphasis was placed on the performance of the battery and finding optimal combinations of electrodes and electrolytes.

The electron paramagnetic resonance measurements show generation of radicals (spin- ½) species upon doping of poly(ß-pinene). The number of radicals formed increased linearly with dopant concentration.

The electrical conductivity and nonlinear optical properties of a novel nonconjugated polymer, poly(ß-pinene) was studied at low temperature. The quadratic electro-optic measurement of poly(ß-pinene) at a wavelength of 633nm was found to be more prominent and the modulation depth was found to increase when measured at low temperature. The low temperature also helped to preserve the sample for a longer time.