Applications of Radical Polymers in Electrolyte-Supported Devices

Abstract

The modern revolution of organic material sciences cannot be justly described if one does not account for the contributions of polymeric materials [1]. Even at this fast pace of development, no other class of materials can match the versatility of macromolecules with regard to their fine-tuneable physical or chemical properties and ease of processing. It is not an exaggeration to claim that any specific functional property of any given polymer would eventually find (if it has not already found) its own importance in the upcoming avenues of science and engineering. In most cases, demand drives discovery of such materials. However, in many cases, mere curiosity drives discovery, broadening the scopes of the applications of various materials. In the case of radical polymers, the story is quite unique, as are the materials [2]. As noted in an earlier chapter, even though the successful synthesis of PTMA was known since 1972 [3], it required three decades for the community to appreciate the vast opportunity of such materials in any viable application. This spark encouraged an entire generation of researchers towards the broader opportunities of radical polymers, and the most significant impact of radical polymers has been in the development of modern approaches towards fully organic energy storage devices [4]. This opportunity is feasible due to the inherent redox-active electronic properties of this class of compounds.