A Polymer/Graphene Composite Cathode with Active Carbonyls and Secondary Amine Moieties for High-Performance Aqueous Zn-Organic Batteries Involving Dual-Ion Mechanism.

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are regarded as one of the most promising alternative technology to lithium-ion batteries on account of their low flammability and cost-benefits. Among various cathode materials in AZIBs, environment-friendly and sustainable organic electrode materials stand out owing to their structural diversity and tunability. However, their limited rate capability and cycle stability remain the obstacles to their further application in AZIBs. Herein, a mixed cathode design strategy including polymerization and carbon materials hybridization is adopted to assemble high-rate and durable AZIBs. Specifically, a polymer/graphene composite cathode with active carbonyls and secondary amine moieties is prepared to construct high-performance aqueous Zn-organic batteries. Furthermore, a hybrid energy storage mechanism involving dual-ion mechanism is confirmed by various ex situ characterization techniques, providing promising battery chemistry. Thus, this work opens up a new path to high performance AZIBs through a rational cathode design.