Electrochemistry of poly(2,2'-dithiodianiline): A new class of high energy conducting polymer interconnected with S-S bonds

2,2'-Dithiodianiline (DTDA), a conducting polymer having a disulfide bond in it, has been proposed as a new class of high energy storage material. DTDA has one S-S bond interconnected between two moieties of anilines. DTDA was electrochemically polymerized to form an electroactive thin film. The structure of the poly(DTDA) was similar to that of polyaniline, in addition the S-S bond is preserved after electropolymerization of DTDA. The electropolymerized poly(DTDA) had enhanced redox processes due to an intramolecular electrocatalytic effect of aniline/anilinium and thiol/thiolate redox couples. The poly(DTDA) has some advantages because of its high theoretical energy density, faster kinetics, and higher electrical conductivity than an organosulfur cathode when used in lithium batteries. The discharge test of Li/poly(DTDA) cell showed a flat curve with a charge capacity of 270 Ah/kg-cathode and an energy density of 675 Wh/kg-cathode.