Odd Khovanov homology and higher representation theory

Abstract

We define a supercategorification of the $q$-Schur algebra of level two and an odd analogue of $\mathfrak{gl}_2$-foams. Using these constructions, we define a homological invariant of tangles, and show that it coincides with odd Khovanov homology when restricted to links. This gives a representation theoretic construction of odd Khovanov homology. In the process, we define a tensor product on the category of chain complexes in super-2-categories which is compatible with homotopies. This could be of independent interest.