Fabrication of an all-polymer battery based on derivatized polythiophenes

Conducting polymers that can be switched between an insulating neutral state and a conducting doped state are of interest for charge-storage applications such as secondary batteries. The authors report on the fabrication of an all-polymer battery incorporating derivatized polythiophene films electropolymerized onto graphite-coated polymeric supports and a polymer gel electrolyte film. The cells had discharge voltages of about 2.4 V and capacities of 9.5 to 11.5 mAh g^-1. The elimination of any metallic components or liquids and the lightweight and flexible construction provide a unique alternative for secondary battery technology.