This study investigates the electrochemical degradation mechanisms of nickel–salen (NiSalen) polymers, with a focus on improving the material’s stability in supercapacitor applications. We analyzed the effects of steric hindrance near the nickel center by incorporating different bulky substituents into NiSalen complexes, aiming to mitigate water-induced degradation. Electrochemical performance was assessed using cyclic voltammetry, operando conductance, and impedance measurements, while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) provided insights into molecular degradation pathways. The results revealed that increased steric hindrance from methyl groups significantly reduced the degradation rate, particularly in water-containing electrolytes, by hindering water coordination to the Ni center. Among the studied polymers, the highly substituted poly[Ni(Saltmen)] exhibited superior stability with minimal capacity loss. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further supported that steric protection around the Ni atom effectively lowers the probability of water coordination. These findings suggest that sterically enhanced NiSalen polymers may offer a promising path toward durable supercapacitor electrodes, highlighting the route of molecular engineering to enhance material stability.

Conductive polymers with TEMPO pendants are considered as a promising class of energy storage materials. However, the rational design of such materials demands for the minimization of the molar mass of the unit. The utilization of the PROXYL stable radical instead of TEMPO may decrease the weight of the monomeric unit and, thus, improve the capacity of the materials. Herein, we report a NiSalen complex with 3-carboxy-PROXYL pendants, designed to decrease the molar mass of the complex. The resulting product was characterized by ¹H NMR, electrospray high-resolution mass spectrometry and EPR.

Polymer films of nickel Schiff-base complexes were investigated to clarify degradation mechanisms induced by coordinating impurities—specifically, the protic solvents methanol and isopropanol. Films of poly[Ni(Salen)] and its sterically protected derivatives were electropolymerized in situ and subjected to cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) measurements in dry acetonitrile electrolyte with 1% vol. alcohol added. In situ monitoring of redox activity and mass changes revealed something. It was revealed that traces of alcohols act as axial ligands to the Ni center. This disrupts the conjugated π-system and conductivity of the polymer. The rate of electrochemical stability strongly depends on the complex structure. The unsubstituted poly[Ni(Salen)] film showed the fastest loss of capacity in both methanol and isopropanol, whereas complexes with methyl substituents in the diimine bridge (poly[Ni(Salpn-1,2)] and poly[Ni(Saltmen)]) exhibited significantly improved stability. EQCM measurements revealed irreversible changes in the mass of all polymer films upon exposure to alcohol-containing electrolytes. These observations are consistent with the axial coordination of alcohol molecules to the Ni centers and the concomitant ingress of solvent species into the polymer matrix. The results demonstrate that molecular design—specifically, introducing steric hindrance around the metal center—markedly enhances resistance to coordinating impurities.

Salen-type complexes with transition metals and corresponding polymers attract great scientific interest due to their outstanding electrochemical properties and catalytic potential. Cobalt complexes of this kind are known as catalysts for a large variety of redox reactions, including oxygen reduction. Herein, we report the preparation of a modified cobalt Salen-type complex, modified by TEMPO pendants linked to the core by flexible butylenedioxy linkers. The resulting product was characterized by electrospray–high-resolution mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

The electrochemical stability of redox-active polymers based on Ni(II)–Salen complexes is of critical importance for their application as electrode materials for supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. This study presents a systematic analysis of the influence of fluoride, chloride, and bromide anions on the redox behavior of two polymeric films: poly[Ni(Salen)] and sterically protected poly[Ni(Saltmen)]. Using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we identify two distinct degradation mechanisms: (1) axial coordination of halide ions to the Ni(II) center followed by demetallation, which disrupts the conjugated system and reduces conductivity, and (2) oxidative halogenation of the ligand. In the presence of chloride ions, both poly[Ni(Salen)] and poly[Ni(Saltmen)] lose approximately 70% of their initial capacity over 50 cycles, indicating progressive electrochemical degradation. In contrast, both polymers demonstrate high electrochemical stability in bromide-containing electrolytes, retaining most of their capacity under identical conditions. Fluoride coordinates without compromising redox performance, serving as a model for electrochemically inert ligands. The results highlight the critical role of both electrolyte composition and ligand design in ensuring the long-term stability of nickel–Salen polymers in energy storage devices.