Conjugated Molecules and Polymers in Secondary Batteries: A Perspective

Intrinsically conducting polymers constituting a subclass of macromolecules, as well as a still growing family of large, conjugated molecules, oligomers, and polymers, have attracted research interest for the recent decades. Closely corresponding to the fascination of these materials, combining typical properties of organic polymers and metallic materials, numerous applications have been suggested, explored, and sometimes transferred into products. In electrochemistry, they have been used in various functions beyond the initially proposed and obvious application as active masses in devices for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. This perspective contribution wraps up basic facts that are necessary to understand the behavior and properties of the oligo and polymers and their behavior in electrochemical cells for energy conversion by electrode reactions and associated energy storage. Representative examples are presented and discussed, and an overview of the state of research and development is provided. Particular attention is paid to stability and related aspects of practical importance. Future trends and perspectives are indicated.

Experimental Design to Enhance Dopamine Electrochemical Detection Using Carbon Paste Electrodes

Efforts have been made on the development of new modified electrodes to be used in the fast determination of neurotransmitters, either in commercial drugs or in biological samples. Determination of dopamine (DA), for example, is of great importance since the lack of this neurotransmitter is related to many neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. In this paper, we present a detailed electrochemical characterization, as well as DA detection studies of paste electrodes incorporating carbon materials in different allotropic forms, including carbon black modified with intrinsically conducting polymers (Eeonomers®), pristine carbon black, graphite, and carbon nanotubes. Emphasis is put on the smaller particle size and larger specific surface area of CB Eeonomers® materials, which led to an improved electroanalytical performance for the developed devices. The electrodes fabricated with Eeonomers® modified with polyaniline exhibited the higher current response towards DA detection, in addition to the ability of distinguishing DA from its natural interferent, ascorbic acid. Furthermore, a central composite design was used to investigate the influence of pH and electrode composition (proportion of Eeonomers®) on the electrochemical sensing of DA. A greater sensitivity was achieved for 50:50 (w/w) KP20/KPy20 electrode at pH 7.0. The optimized devices showed to be promising tools to perform quick, cheap and sensitive detection of this neurotransmitter in bioanalytical systems.

Conducting Polymeric Composites Based on Intrinsically Conducting Polymers as Electromagnetic Interference Shielding/Microwave Absorbing Materials—A Review

The development of sophisticated telecommunication equipment and other electro-electronic devices resulted in a kind of electromagnetic pollution that affects the performance of other equipment as well as the health of human beings. Intrinsically conducting polymers (ICP), mainly polyaniline and polypyrrole, have been considered as promising candidates for applications in efficient electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) due to their ease of preparation, light weight, good conductivity and corrosion resistance. One of the important advantages of these materials is the capability to interact with the EM radiation through both absorption and reflection mechanisms thus enlarging the field of application. In this context, this review article describes a recent overview of the existing methods to produce intrinsically conducting polymers and their blends for electromagnetic shielding application. Additionally, it highlights the relationship between preparation methods reported in the literature with the structure and properties, such as electrical conductivity, electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SE), complex permittivity and permeability of these materials. Furthermore, a brief theory related to the electromagnetic mechanism and techniques for measuring the microwave absorbing properties are also discussed.

A Review of Multiple Scale Fibrous and Composite Systems for Heating Applications

Different types of heating systems have been developed lately, representing a growing interest in both the academic and industrial sectors. Based on the Joule effect, fibrous structures can produce heat once an electrical current is passed, whereby different approaches have been followed. For that purpose, materials with electrical and thermal conductivity have been explored, such as carbon-based nanomaterials, metallic nanostructures, intrinsically conducting polymers, fibers or hybrids. We review the usage of these emerging nanomaterials at the nanoscale and processed up to the macroscale to create heaters. In addition to fibrous systems, the creation of composite systems for electrical and thermal conductivity enhancement has also been highly studied. Different techniques can be used to create thin film heaters or heating textiles, as opposed to the conventional textile technologies. The combination of nanoscale and microscale materials gives the best heating performances, and some applications have already been proven, even though some effort is still needed to reach the industry level.

Intrinsically conducting polymers and their combinations with redox-active molecules for rechargeable battery electrodes: an update

Intrinsically conducting polymers and their copolymers and composites with redox-active organic molecules prepared by chemical as well as electrochemical polymerization may yield active masses without additional binder and conducting agents for secondary battery electrodes possibly utilizing the advantageous properties of both constituents are discussed. Beyond these possibilities these polymers have found many applications and functions for various further purposes in secondary batteries, as binders, as protective coatings limiting active material corrosion, unwanted dissolution of active mass ingredients or migration of electrode reaction participants. Selected highlights from this rapidly developing and very diverse field are presented. Possible developments and future directions are outlined.

Composites and Copolymers Containing Redox-Active Molecules and Intrinsically Conducting Polymers as Active Masses for Supercapacitor Electrodes—An Introduction

In this introductory report, composites and copolymers combining intrinsically conducting polymers and redox-active organic molecules, suggested as active masses without additional binder and conducting agents for supercapacitor electrodes, possibly using the advantageous properties of both constituents, are presented. A brief overview of the few reported examples of the use of such copolymers, composites, and comparable combinations of organic molecules and carbon supports is given. For comparison a few related reports on similar materials without intrinsically conducting polymers are included.

Organic Polymer and Metal Nano-particle Based Composites for Improvement of the Analytical Performance of Electrochemical Biosensors

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) are described in the nanoscale and made from either pure metals or their compounds such as oxides. Metallic NPs have certain indistinct functional groups due to which these can bind with any type of ligand, antibody and drugs. Organic polymers, which conduct electricity, are called conducting polymers (intrinsically conducting polymers). They behave like semiconductors by exhibiting metallic conductivity. Process-ability is the major advantage of conducting polymers. Nanocomposite is a novel material having nano-fillers scattered in a matrix with morphology and interfacial characteristics of nano-composites including their individual property that influence their characteristics. Conducting polymers and NP composites can enhance the rate of electron transport between the current collector material (electrode) and the electrolyte; therefore they have been employed in the construction of improved electrochemical sensors such as amperometric, catalytic and potentiodynamic affinity sensors.