Electrochemistry of polyacetylene, (CH)x. Characteristics of polyacetylene cathodes

Abstract

The relationship of cell potential to degree of oxidation, coulombic and energy efficiencies, constant-current discharge characteristics, energy density and maximum power density of a partly oxidized polyacetylene, [CH(ClO₄)_y](y [graphic omitted] 0.07), cathode in a cell of the type [CH(ClO₄)_y]_x|LiClO₄|Li are discussed. Coulombic efficiencies ranging from 100 to 86% and energy efficiencies ranging from 81 to 68% during a charge–discharge cycle are found at oxidation levels ranging from 1.54 to 6.0%. Energy densities of ca. 255 W h kg^–1(based on the weights of the electroactive materials involved in the discharge process) are obtained for 7.0% oxidized polyacetylene cathodes under constant-current discharge conditions. Maximum power densities of ca. 30 kW kg^–1 are observed.