Synthesis and Characterization of Conjugated Sulfonamide Coordination Polymers for Applications in Divalent Ion Cathode Materials

Details

Supervisors

Vlad, Alexandru

Faculty

Faculté des sciences

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences chimiques, à finalité approfondie

Abstract

Global energy consumption heavily relies on fossil fuels, but climate change necessitates sustainable and environmentally friendly electrical energy production. In response to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, electrochemical energy storage in batteries has emerged as a promising solution. Traditional battery materials, predominantly composed of cobalt and lithium, face limitations due to availability and environmental impacts. To address these challenges, interest has been growing in exploring alternative materials based on organic compounds. These organic-based materials offer several advantages, including the abundance of elemental sources, tunability, and stability. Among these materials, sulfonamide compounds, particularly Li4-PTtSA, have shown exceptional retention capacity and coulombic efficiency. Incorporating these compounds into coordination polymers provides a solution to the solubility issues typically encountered in other organic materials. Furthermore, the inclusion of zinc in the coordination structure enhances conductivity and voltage. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the performance of lithium-free coordination polymers synthesized from sulfonamide molecules coordinated with zinc as cathodic materials in electrochemical energy storage devices. Specifically, the study aims at comparing the performances of polymers containing light divalent ions such as calcium and magnesium with samples containing heavier divalent ions like strontium and barium. This comparative analysis will help identifying the specific effects of different divalent ions on the cycling properties of the coordination polymer. Through comprehensive comparative analysis, this master thesis research purpose to address key questions related to optimal synthesis conditions, suitable carbon additives, and effective electrolyte choices for enhancing battery performances. The findings have the potential to contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient electrochemical energy storage technologies, advancing the transition towards a greener and more sustainable energy future