Pillar[5]quinone–Carbon Nanocomposites as High-Capacity Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

New organic cathodes to replace inorganic materials for the capacity enhancement of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are highly desirable. In this research, we described the investigation of pillar[5]quinone (P5Q), which we determined to have a theoretical capacity of 446 mAh g -1 , a value that makes it a very promising candidate as a cathode in rechargeable batteries. Inspired by this value, P5Q was encapsulated into CMK-3 to form a composite, and then integrated with singlewalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to generate a film that was used as the cathode in SIBs. The as-assembled SIBs showed an initial capacity up to 418 mAh g -1 and maintained 290 mAh g -1 after 300 cycles at 0.1 C. Even at 1 C, the capacity could still reach 201 mAh g -1 .

Redox‐Active Functional Electrolyte for High‐Performance Seawater Batteries

“…For the development of next‐generation ESSs, the compartments of battery systems should be produced from readily available and cost‐effective resources. Sodium ion‐based electrochemical systems have been regarded as an alternative energy‐storage solution, by exploiting the naturally abundant sodium element and ions . In particular for large‐scale ESSs, rechargeable seawater batteries (SWBs) have garnered considerable attention owing to their unique scalability, low environmental impact, and sustainability (Figure a) .…”

“…Herein, we report a saturated sodium/3 m biphenyl (BP)/dimethoxyethane (DME) (Na‐BP‐DME) solution as a redox‐active functional anolyte that can allow high cyclability of SWBs. So far, redox‐active organic compounds have been generally employed as electrode materials for rechargeable battery systems, not for SWBs . In contrast to conventional electrolytes for SWBs, Na‐BP‐DME electrolyte solution has shown unique chemical and electrochemical stability during the electrochemical cycles, which is compatible with a high‐capacity Na‐metal anode of 1166 mAh g −1 .…”

An Insoluble Anthraquinone Dimer with Near‐Plane Structure as a Cathode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

“…However, its electrochemical performance is inferior owing to dissolution issues in organic electrolytes, exhibiting poor cycling stability and low capacity . To improve it, many approaches have been attempted, for example, hybridization with insoluble materials, compositing with carbon materials (such as CMK‐3), and use of gel or solid electrolytes …”

Empowering organic‐based negative electrode material based on conjugated lithium carboxylate through molecular design

“…Positioned between sulfur and intercalation compound in the battery‐materials landscape, performances of organic electrode materials have strongly evolved representing a serious alternative in support to inorganic compounds and to address the constantly growing demand for more sustainable batteries. These last years, several improvements were realized such as high‐potential and high‐power positive electrode materials and high specific capacity . From our side, we focused in the last years on the enhancement of the rate capability of conjugated lithium carboxylate used as a negative electrode.…”