(364b) Polymer-Peptide Bioconjugates for Selective Ion Transport in Electrochemical Systems

Solid polymer electrolytes provide a baseline framework for electrode separation in Li-ion systems, and these electrolytes are attractive because of the mechanical stability that they possess over liquid counterparts.  Particularly this is the case in applications such as electric vehicles.  However, a drawback to these systems which must not be overlooked is the inadequate conductivity and ion selectivity.  Our aim is to show how the bioconjugation of a set of rationally designed peptides with PEO can influence ion transport.  These coiled-coil peptides are designed to (i) bind ions selectively, (ii) achieve self-assembly in order to promote crosslinking and (iii) give a polymer network with a desirable porosity.  Additionally, the structural dynamics of the bioconjugated network should function in non-aqueous solvents.  This work will focus on the phase behavior as well as polymer structure to organic electrolyte performance and lastly to connect biomolecular design with the optimization of selective ion transport.