The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

n-Type conjugated polymers are promising cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their structural tunability, light-element composition, and potential for sustainable production. Unlike traditional inorganic cathodes, these polymers offer flexibility in molecular design and processing. However, issues such as low conductivity and poor cycling stability have limited their application. Here, we present high-stability n-type polymer cathodes designed by incorporating electron-deficient cores and optimizing side chains. The resulting polymers exhibit improved redox stability and long-term cycling performance. Structural and electrochemical analyses reveal key relationships that explain their enhanced stability. These findings highlight the potential of molecularly engineered n-type polymers as viable alternatives to inorganic cathodes for durable, high-performance LIBs.