Benign by Molecular Design: Active Polymeric Super-Acid Catalysts and Highly Conductive Polymeric Lithium Electrolytes

Abstract

Architectures of copolymers of ethylene with α-olefinic fluorosulfonates are well controlled by tailoring palladium- or nickel-α-diimine catalysts and polymerization conditions (see scheme). These polymeric acids are shown to be "green" homogenous and heterogeneous superacid catalysts for industrially important reactions. Their lithium salts exhibit excellent ionic conductivities as well as mechanical properties, and are attractive candidates for use in lithium batteries. (MAO= methylalumoxane).