Conjugated Copper–Catecholate Framework Electrodes for Efficient Energy Storage

A conjugated copper(II) catecholate based metal–organic framework (namely Cu-DBC) was prepared using a D₂-symmetric redox-active ligand in a copper bis(dihydroxy) coordination geometry. The π-d conjugated framework exhibits typical semiconducting behavior with a high electrical conductivity of ca. 1.0 S m⁻¹ at room temperature. Benefiting from the good electrical conductivity and the excellent redox reversibility of both ligand and copper centers, Cu-DBC electrode features superior capacitor performances with gravimetric capacitance up to 479 F g⁻¹ at a discharge rate of 0.2 A g⁻¹. Moreover, the symmetric solid-state supercapacitor of Cu-DBC exhibits high areal (879 mF cm⁻²) and volumetric (22 F cm⁻³) capacitances, as well as good rate capability. These metrics are superior to most reported MOF-based supercapacitors, demonstrating promising applications in energy-storage devices.     

A Redox‐Active 2D Metal–Organic Framework for Efficient Lithium Storage with Extraordinary High Capacity

Metal–organic framework cathodes usually exhibit low capacity and poor electrochemical performance for Li‐ion storage owing to intrinsic low conductivity and inferior redox activity. Now a redox‐active 2D copper–benzoquinoid (Cu‐THQ) MOF has been synthesized by a simple solvothermal method. The abundant porosity and intrinsic redox character endow the 2D Cu‐THQ MOF with promising electrochemical activity. Superior performance is achieved as a Li‐ion battery cathode with a high reversible capacity (387 mA h g^?1), large specific energy density (775 Wh kg^?1), and good cycling stability. The reaction mechanism is unveiled by comprehensive spectroscopic techniques: a three‐electron redox reaction per coordination unit and one‐electron redox reaction per copper ion mechanism is demonstrated. This elucidatory understanding sheds new light on future rational design of high‐performance MOF‐based cathode materials for efficient energy storage and conversion.     

Heteroatom‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanosheets: General Preparation and Enhanced Capacitive Properties

High‐performance electrical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) require carbon electrode materials with high specific surface area, short ion‐diffusion pathways, and outstanding electrical conductivity. Herein, a general approach combing the molten‐salt method and chemical activation to prepare N‐doped carbon nanosheets with high surface area (654 m² g^?1) and adjustable porous structure is presented. Owing to their structural features, the N‐doped carbon nanosheets exhibited superior capacitive performance, demonstrated by a maximum capacitance of 243 F g^?1 (area‐normalized capacitance up to 37 μF cm^?2) at a current density of 0.5 A g^?1 in aqueous electrolyte, high rate capability (179 F g^?1 at 20 A g^?1), and excellent cycle stability. This method provides a new route to prepare porous and heteroatom‐doped carbon nanosheets for high‐performance EDLCs, which could also be extended to other polymer precursors and even waste biomass.     

Stable 2D Heteroporous Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Ionic Conduction

Two‐dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) feature open and ordered one‐dimensional column nanochannels which offer immense possibilities for incorporation of various guests for specific functions. However, the relatively low chemical stability of most COFs originating from the dynamic covalent linkages hinders their practical application. In this work, a highly crystalline and heteroporous dibenzo[g,p]chrysene‐based COF (DBC‐2P) was synthesized and served as a host material for ionic conduction. DBC‐2P exhibits excellent stability both in strong acid and base due to the large conjugated DBC‐based knot that reinforces the interlayer interactions. Subsequent encapsulation of linear polyethylene glycol (PEG) and PEG‐LiBF₄ salt into the nanochannels of DBC‐2P affords a hybrid material with a high ionic conductivity of 2.31×10^?3 S cm^?1. This work demonstrates an efficient post‐synthetic strategy for the development of new COF–polymer composites with intriguing properties.     

A Dual‐Ligand Porous Coordination Polymer Chemiresistor with Modulated Conductivity and Porosity

Single‐ligand‐based electronically conductive porous coordination polymers/metal–organic frameworks (EC‐PCPs/MOFs) fail to meet the requirements of numerous electronic applications owing to their limited tunability in terms of both conductivity and topology. In this study, a new 2D π‐conjugated EC‐MOF containing copper units with mixed trigonal ligands was developed: Cu₃(HHTP)(THQ) (HHTP=2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydrotriphenylene, THQ=tetrahydroxy‐1,4‐quinone). The modulated conductivity (σ≈2.53×10^?5 S cm^?1 with an activation energy of 0.30 eV) and high porosity (ca. 441.2 m² g^?1) of the Cu₃(HHTP)(THQ) semiconductive nanowires provided an appropriate resistance baseline and highly accessible areas for the development of an excellent chemiresistive gas sensor.     

Preparation and properties of polyaniline codoped with ionic liquid and dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid or hydrochloric acid

Three nanosized polyaniline (PAn) powders doped with ionic liquid and dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) or hydrochloric acid have been prepared for the first time in an ionic liquid-water emulsion system. The oil-phase ionic liquid is used as both a monomer solvent and doped counterion. The effects of different counterions on the properties (molecular weight, electrical conductivity, glass transition temperature, electrochemical activity) of PAn are investigated. PAn codoped with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid and DBSA shows the highest molecular weight (81 104 g mol^?1), the highest electrical conductivity (1.85 S cm^?1), the lowest glass transition temperature (181°C) and the highest redox reaction current density; PAn doped with an ionic liquid only exhibits the lowest conductivity (0.0018 S cm^?1) and a lower redox reaction current density. PAn codoped with ionic liquid and HCl shows higher conductivity. They also exhibit good electrochemical stability and charge-discharge performance. These indicate that codoping of different counterions under acidic conditions could improve the degree of oxidation and doping ratio of PAn and could result in high electrical conductivity and good electrochemical properties.     

High Compression‐Induced Conductivity in a Layered Cu–Br Perovskite

We show that the onset pressure for appreciable conductivity in layered copper‐halide perovskites can decrease by ca. 50 GPa upon replacement of Cl with Br. Layered Cu–Cl perovskites require pressures >50 GPa to show a conductivity of 10^?4 S cm^?1, whereas here a Cu–Br congener, (EA)₂CuBr₄ (EA=ethylammonium), exhibits conductivity as high as 2×10^?3 S cm^?1 at only 2.6 GPa, and 0.17 S cm^?1 at 59 GPa. Substitution of higher‐energy Br 4p for Cl 3p orbitals lowers the charge‐transfer band gap of the perovskite by 0.9 eV. This 1.7 eV band gap decreases to 0.3 eV at 65 GPa. High‐pressure X‐ray diffraction, optical absorption, and transport measurements, and density functional theory calculations allow us to track compression‐induced structural and electronic changes. The notable enhancement of the Br perovskite's electronic response to pressure may be attributed to more diffuse Br valence orbitals relative to Cl orbitals. This work brings the compression‐induced conductivity of Cu‐halide perovskites to more technologically accessible pressures.     

Organic acid doped polythiophene nanoparticles as electrode material for redox supercapacitors

An organic acid doped electronically conducting polymer nanomaterial, polythiophene‐tartaric acid (PTh‐TA) nanoparticles, was prepared by cationic surfactant‐assisted dilute polymerization method. The physical properties of the synthesized polymer were characterized by FT‐IR, UV‐visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, SEM, and electrical conductivity studies. The symmetric type redox supercapacitor performances were studied in PVdF‐HFP in 1 M LiPF₆ containing EC&PC (1:1 v/v) based microporous polymer electrolyte. The specific capacitance of the capacitor was found to be 156 F g^?1. The energy and power densities were calculated as 14 Wh kg^?1 and 522 W kg^?1, respectively. The value of capacitance was found to be almost stable up to 1000 cycles and even more. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Three‐Dimensional Porous Organic Semiconductor Based on Fully sp2‐Hybridized Graphitic Polymer

Dimensionality plays an important role in the charge transport properties of organic semiconductors. Although three‐dimensional semiconductors, such as Si, are common in inorganic materials, imparting electrical conductivity to covalent three‐dimensional organic polymers is challenging. Now, the synthesis of a three‐dimensional π‐conjugated porous organic polymer (3D p‐POP) using catalyst‐free Diels–Alder cycloaddition polymerization followed by acid‐promoted aromatization is presented. With a surface area of 801 m² g^?1, full conjugation throughout the carbon backbone, and an electrical conductivity of 6(2)×10^?4 S cm^?1 upon treatment with I₂ vapor, the 3D p‐POP is the first member of a new class of permanently porous 3D organic semiconductors.     

A five-coordinate copper(II) perchlorate complex with tris(N-methylbenzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)amine and salicylate

A five-coordinate copper(II) complex with the tripod ligand tris(N-methylbenzimidazol-2-ylmethyl)amine (Mentb) and salicylate, with the composition [Cu(Mentb) (salicylate)](ClO₄) · 2DMF, was synthesized and characterized by elemental and thermal analyses, electrical conductivity, IR and UV-Vis spectral measurements. The crystal structure of the complex has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Cu(II) is five-coordinate with four N atoms from the Mentb ligand and an O atom of the monodentate salicylate ligand. The N₄O donors are in a distorted trigonal-bipyramid geometry. Cyclic voltammograms indicate a quasireversible Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ couple. The X-band EPR spectrum of the complex confirms the trigonal-bipyramidal structure with g_∥ < g _⊥ and a very small value of A_∥ (41 × 10^?4 cm^?1).     

Free‐Standing Conducting Polymer Films for High‐Performance Energy Devices

Thick, uniform, easily processed, highly conductive polymer films are desirable as electrodes for solar cells as well as polymer capacitors. Here, a novel scalable strategy is developed to prepare highly conductive thick poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (HCT‐PEDOT:PSS) films with layered structure that display a conductivity of 1400 S cm^?1 and a low sheet resistance of 0.59 ohm sq^?1. Organic solar cells with laminated HCT‐PEDOT:PSS exhibit a performance comparable to the reference devices with vacuum‐deposited Ag top electrodes. More importantly, the HCT‐PEDOT:PSS film delivers a specific capacitance of 120 F g^?1 at a current density of 0.4 A g^?1. All‐solid‐state flexible symmetric supercapacitors with the HCT‐PEDOT:PSS films display a high volumetric energy density of 6.80 mWh cm^?3 at a power density of 100 mW cm^?3 and 3.15 mWh cm^?3 at a very high power density of 16160 mW cm^?3 that outperforms previous reported solid‐state supercapacitors based on PEDOT materials.     

A Nitrogen‐Rich 2D sp2‐Carbon‐Linked Conjugated Polymer Framework as a High‐Performance Cathode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

A two‐dimensional (2D) sp²‐carbon‐linked conjugated polymer framework (2D CCP‐HATN) has a nitrogen‐doped skeleton, a periodical dual‐pore structure and high chemical stability. The polymer backbone consists of hexaazatrinaphthalene (HATN) and cyanovinylene units linked entirely by carbon–carbon double bonds. Profiting from the shape‐persistent framework of 2D CCP‐HATN integrated with the electrochemical redox‐active HATN and the robust sp² carbon‐carbon linkage, 2D CCP‐HATN hybridized with carbon nanotubes shows a high capacity of 116 mA h g^?1, with high utilization of its redox‐active sites and superb cycling stability (91 % after 1000 cycles) and rate capability (82 %, 1.0 A g^?1 vs. 0.1 A g^?1) as an organic cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries.     

Solvent‐Vapor‐Induced Reversible Single‐Crystal‐to‐Single‐Crystal Transformation of a Triphosphaazatriangulene‐Based Metal–Organic Framework

A triphosphaazatriangulene (H₃L) was synthesized through an intramolecular triple phospha‐Friedel–Crafts reaction. The H₃L triangulene contains three phosphinate groups and an extended π‐conjugated framework, which enables the stimuli‐responsive reversible transformation of [Cu(HL)(DMSO)?(MeOH)]_n, a 3D‐MOF that exhibits reversible sorption characteristics, into (H₃L?0.5 [Cu₂(OH)₄?6 H₂O] ?4 H₂O), a 1D‐columnar assembled proton‐conducting material. The hydrophilic nature of the latter resulted in a proton conductivity of 5.5×10^?3 S cm^?1 at 95 % relative humidity and 60 °C.     

A Phthalocyanine‐Based Layered Two‐Dimensional Conjugated Metal–Organic Framework as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Layered two‐dimensional (2D) conjugated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a family of rising electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), due to the controllable architectures, excellent electrical conductivity, and highly exposed well‐defined molecular active sites. Herein, we report a copper phthalocyanine based 2D conjugated MOF with square‐planar cobalt bis(dihydroxy) complexes (Co‐O₄) as linkages (PcCu‐O₈‐Co) and layer‐stacked structures prepared via solvothermal synthesis. PcCu‐O₈‐Co 2D MOF mixed with carbon nanotubes exhibits excellent electrocatalytic ORR activity (E_1/2=0.83 V vs. RHE, n=3.93, and j_L=5.3 mA cm^?2) in alkaline media, which is the record value among the reported intrinsic MOF electrocatalysts. Supported by in situ Raman spectro‐electrochemistry and theoretical modeling as well as contrast catalytic tests, we identified the cobalt nodes as ORR active sites. Furthermore, when employed as a cathode electrocatalyst for zinc–air batteries, PcCu‐O₈‐Co delivers a maximum power density of 94 mW cm^?2, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C electrocatalysts (78.3 mW cm^?2).     

An Azine‐Linked Covalent Organic Framework: Synthesis,Characterization and Efficient Gas Storage

A azine‐linked covalent organic framework, COF‐JLU2, was designed and synthesized by condensation of hydrazine hydrate and 1,3,5‐triformylphloroglucinol under solvothermal conditions for the first time. The new covalent organic framework material combines permanent micropores, high crystallinity, good thermal and chemical stability, and abundant heteroatom activated sites in the skeleton. COF‐JLU2 possesses a moderate BET surface area of over 410 m² g^?1 with a pore volume of 0.56 cm³ g^?1. Specifically, COF‐JLU2 displays remarkable carbon dioxide uptake (up to 217 mg g^?1) and methane uptake (38 mg g^?1) at 273 K and 1 bar, as well as high CO₂/N₂ (77) selectivity. Furthermore, we further highlight that it exhibits a higher hydrogen storage capacity (16 mg g^?1) than those of reported COFs at 77 K and 1 bar.     

氧化偶联聚合的方法合成新型电活性聚醚砜及其结构表征

通过氧化偶联聚合的方法我们制备了一种新型电活性聚芳醚砜,这种聚合物主链上含有苯基封端的苯胺四聚体齐聚物单元。我们通红外、核磁和XRD对其结构进行了表征。在1.0M的硫酸水溶液介质中我们对其电活性进行了研究,聚合物展现出两对氧化还原峰。此外,我们使用TGA测试手段对其热稳定性也做了研究。在室温质子酸掺杂的条件下聚合物的导电率为1.37 × 10-7 S·cm-1。     

Two‐dimensional π‐conjugated metal‐organic framework with high electrical conductivity for electrochemical sensing

A two‐dimensional π‐conjugated metal‐organic framework (MOF) with long‐range delocalized electrons has been prepared and applied as modified electrode material without further post‐modification. The MOF (Cu₃(HHTP)₂) is composed of Cu(II) centers and a redox‐active linker (2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene, HHTP). Compared to most MOFs, Cu₃(HHTP)₂ displays higher electrical conductivity and charge storage capacity owing to the collective effect of metal ions and aromatic ligands with π–π conjugation. In order to confirm the superior properties of this material, the electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) was conducted and the satisfactory results were obtained. The currents increase linearly with the concentration of DA in the range 5.0 × 10^?8 to 2.0 × 10^?4 M with a detection limit of 5.1 nM. Furthermore, Cu₃(HHTP)₂ presents high selectivity and applicability in serum samples for electrochemical DA sensing. Overall, this material has excellent potential as a promising platform for establishing an MOF‐based electrochemical sensor.     

Triarylboron‐Linked Conjugated Microporous Polymers: Sensing and Removal of Fluoride Ions

A luminescent conjugated microporous polymer (BCMP‐3) has been synthesized in high yield by a carbon–carbon coupling reaction using triarylboron as a building unit. BCMP‐3 was fully characterized by using powder X‐ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹³C solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and nitrogen and carbon dioxide adsorption. The new three‐dimensional conjugated framework possess a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area up to 950 m² g^?1 with a pore volume of 0.768 cm³ g^?1, good stability, and abundant boron sites in the skeleton. Under excited‐light irradiation, BCMP‐3 exhibits strong fluorescent emission at 488 nm with a high absolute quantum yield of 18 % in the solid state. Polymer BCMP‐3 acts as a colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor with high sensitivity and selectivity for F^? over other common anions. In addition, the polymer also works as an adsorbent for F^? removal and shows good adsorption capacities of up to 24 mg g^?1 at equilibrium F^? concentrations of 16 mg L^?1 and a temperature of 298 K. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm were analyzed by fitting experimental data with pseudo‐second‐order kinetics and Langmuir equations. Furthermore, we highlight that BCMP‐3 is an adsorbent for fluoride removal that can be efficiently reused many times without loss of adsorption efficiency.     

Porous Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes Derived from Tubular Polypyrrole for Energy‐Storage Applications

Porous nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (PNCNTs) with a high specific surface area (1765 m² g^?1) and a large pore volume (1.28 cm³ g^?1) have been synthesized from a tubular polypyrrole (T‐PPY). The inner diameter and wall thickness of the PNCNTs are about 55 nm and 22 nm, respectively. This material shows extremely promising properties for both supercapacitors and for encapsulating sulfur as a superior cathode material for high‐performance lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. At a current density of 0.5 A g^?1, PNCNT presents a high specific capacitance of 210 F g^?1, as well as excellent cycling stability at a current density of 2 A g^?1. When the S/PNCNT composite was tested as the cathode material for Li‐S batteries, the initial discharge capacity was 1341 mAh g^?1 at a current rate of 1 C and, even after 50 cycles at the same rate, the high reversible capacity was retained at 933 mAh g^?1. The promising electrochemical energy‐storage performance of the PNCNTs can be attributed to their excellent conductivity, large surface area, nitrogen doping, and unique pore‐size distribution.     

Electric Double‐Layer Capacitors Based on Highly Graphitized Nanoporous Carbons Derived from ZIF‐67

Nanoporous carbons (NPCs) have large specific surface areas, good electrical and thermal conductivity, and both chemical and mechanical stability, which facilitate their use in energy storage device applications. In the present study, highly graphitized NPCs are synthesized by one‐step direct carbonization of cobalt‐containing zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67). After chemical etching, the deposited Co content can be completely removed to prepare pure NPCs with high specific surface area, large pore volume, and intrinsic electrical conductivity (high content of sp²‐bonded carbons). A detailed electrochemical study is performed using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements. Our NPC is very promising for efficient electrodes for high‐performance supercapacitor applications. A maximum specific capacitance of 238 F g^?1 is observed at a scan rate of 20 mV s^?1. This value is very high compared to previous works on carbon‐based electric double layer capacitors.