Adaptive Supramolecular Interactions Govern Redox‐Active Molecules in Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

ABSTRACT Weak noncovalent interactions critically govern molecular behavior in solution, yet how they shape redox processes in aqueous electrochemical environments remains underexplored. Here, we demonstrate control over the solubility and redox stability of aromatic redox‐active molecules in aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs). Zwitterionic substitution of naphthalene diimide (NDI) bearing quaternary ammonium and sulfonate groups shows weak π–π cohesion through steric and electrostatic effects, rendering otherwise insoluble NDIs responsive to external anions. Hydrophobic and weakly hydrated anions such as iodide and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide disrupt residual stacking through anion–π interactions, enabling dissolution to concentrations approaching 1.3 M. Upon electrochemical reduction, these anions dissociate, and the reduced NDI species are instead stabilized through spin pairing and cation‐mediated intermolecular interactions, which suppress irreversible aggregation, slow self‐discharge, and enable rapid redox reactions. Operando Raman spectroscopy, 1 H NMR, and EPR elucidate the redox‐state‐dependent evolution of these supramolecular assemblies. Together, these results establish zwitterionic molecular design for adaptive supramolecular redox chemistry in aqueous RFBs.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Materials
Published
2026-10-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.75499
Primary Topic
Advanced battery technologies research
Type
article
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article

Adaptive Supramolecular Interactions Govern Redox‐Active Molecules in Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

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Advanced Materials
Advanced battery technologies research
article

Adaptive Supramolecular Interactions Govern Redox‐Active Molecules in Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

Evan Wenbo Zhao, Minyoung Shim, Vikram Pratap Singh, Rak Hyeon Choi, Mu‐Hyun Baik, Seongyeon Kwon, Jongcheol Seo, Seongmo Ahn, Yunseop Choi, Ariyeong Yun, Dongwook Kim, Yohan Kim, Giu. A. Silva Testa
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Weak noncovalent interactions critically govern molecular behavior in solution, yet how they shape redox processes in aqueous electrochemical environments remains underexplored. Here, we demonstrate control over the solubility and redox stability of aromatic redox‐active molecules in aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs). Zwitterionic substitution of naphthalene diimide (NDI) bearing quaternary ammonium and sulfonate groups shows weak π–π cohesion through steric and electrostatic effects, rendering otherwise insoluble NDIs responsive to external anions. Hydrophobic and weakly hydrated anions such as iodide and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide disrupt residual stacking through anion–π interactions, enabling dissolution to concentrations approaching 1.3 M. Upon electrochemical reduction, these anions dissociate, and the reduced NDI species are instead stabilized through spin pairing and cation‐mediated intermolecular interactions, which suppress irreversible aggregation, slow self‐discharge, and enable rapid redox reactions. Operando Raman spectroscopy, 1 H NMR, and EPR elucidate the redox‐state‐dependent evolution of these supramolecular assemblies. Together, these results establish zwitterionic molecular design for adaptive supramolecular redox chemistry in aqueous RFBs.

Advanced Materials
Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (ES), Pohang University of Science and Technology (KR), Radboud University Nijmegen (NL), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KR), IMDEA Energy Institute (ES), Institute for Basic Science (KR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 24%
Advanced battery technologies research
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