Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Novel Redox-Active Polymers with Anthraquinone Moieties by Pd-catalyzed Cyclopolymerization of Dienes

Redox-active polymers enhanced the focus of attention in the field of battery research in recent years. Anthraquinone is one of the most generic redox-active functional compounds for battery applications, because the quinonide structure undergoes a redox reaction involving two electrons and features stable electrochemical behavior. Although various redox-active polymers have been developed, the polymer backbone is mostly based on linear alkyl chains [e.g., poly(methacrylate) s, poly(ether)s]. Polymers featuring ring structures in the backbone are limited due to the restricted availability of suitable polymerization techniques [e.g., poly(norbornene) s by ROMP]. The cyclopolymerization of dienes with pendant redox-active anthraquinone moieties by Pd catalysis represents a novel approach to synthesize redox-active polymers featuring cyclic structures in the backbone. Electrochemical investigations, in particular cyclic voltammetry, of these new diene monomer, polymers and the corresponding polymer supported carbon paper composites were conducted in different organic electrolytes. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.