Interconnecting EDOT-Based Polymers with Native Lignin toward Enhanced Charge Storage in Conductive Wood

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Renewable Energy Technologies

Background:

• Wood's 3D structure is a template for electronics.
• Native lignin in wood remains an overlooked electroactive component.
• Accessing lignin within the cell wall is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To leverage native lignin's charge storage capacity in wood-based electrodes.
• To establish conjugated-polymer-based electrical connections within wood.
• To develop sustainable, high-performance energy storage solutions.

Main Methods:

• In situ polymerization of S-EDOT monomer within the wood cell wall.
• Integration of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS).
• Interfacing PEDOT/PSS with native lignin via conjugated-polymer connections.

Main Results:

• Achieved a capacitance of 315 mF cm⁻² at 5 mV s⁻¹.
• Capacitance is seven times higher than PEDOT/PSS alone and two times higher than S-PEDOT alone.
• Native lignin contributes over 70% of the total charge storage capacity.

Conclusions:

• Accessing native lignin via in situ electrical interconnections enhances wood electrodes.
• This approach offers a pathway toward sustainable, high-capacity wood-based energy storage.
• The method enables leveraging lignin's potential for electronic applications.