NU 2016-043

INVENTORS

• J. Fraser Stoddart (Nobel laureate; Northwestern University, Weinberg College of Arts & Science, Department of Chemistry)*
• Siva Nalluri
• Zhichang Liu

SHORT DESCRIPTION

This technology uses chiral, redox-active isosceles triangles as active materials for organic rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. It offers improved redox properties and capacity performance for energy storage applications.

BACKGROUND

Current lithium-ion battery materials face challenges such as low capacity, limited cycling stability, and solubility issues that reduce long-term performance. High production costs and material degradation further drive the need for innovative organic battery materials that overcome these limitations.

ABSTRACT

The inventors developed two types of chiral isosceles triangles using stepwise condensation reactions. The triangles exhibit lower molecular symmetries and form 2D layer-like supramolecular structures. Cyclic voltammetry shows up to six accessible redox states. Battery tests reported capacities of 140.1 and 58.1 mAh g⁻¹. The performance improves with an increased number of subunits, providing insight into structure-performance relationships in organic rechargeable battery materials.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

The global lithium-ion battery market was valued at $57.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to surge to $278.4 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 17.1% (Source: Precedence Research, 2024).

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

TRL-3, Experimental Proof-of-Concept Active R&D initiated: Laboratory tests have validated key electrochemical functions through cyclic voltammetry and battery performance analyses.

APPLICATIONS

• Organic rechargeable lithium-ion batteries: Active materials for improved battery performance.
• Energy storage systems: Suitable for sustainable, low-cost energy storage.
• Portable electronics: Enhances battery life and efficiency in mobile devices.

ADVANTAGES

• Multiple redox states: Provides access to six distinct oxidation levels.
• Enhanced capacity: Achieves up to 140.1 mAh g⁻¹ in battery testing.
• Improved cycling stability: Delivers consistent performance during charge/discharge cycles.
• Tunable performance: Capacity increases with additional NDI subunits.

PUBLICATIONS

• J. Fraser Stoddart et al, Chiral Redox-Active Isosceles Triangles, Journal of the American Chemical Society, April 12 2016

IP STATUS

Issued US Patent (US11155554B2)