Abstract
A novel redox-active polymer based on a 9,10-di(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-9,10-dihydroanthracene (exTTF) system in combination with a conjugated backbone was synthesized via rhodium (Rh)-catalyzed polymerization of 2-ethynyl(exTTF), leading to polymers with low polydispersities. Composite electrodes containing this polymer exhibited chemically reversible two-electron oxidation in aqueous media. The application of these electrodes as active cathode materials in hybrid zinc-organic batteries using an aqueous electrolyte enabled the production of air-stable charge storage systems with a theoretical capacity of 133 mAh g−1. These batteries featured high performance, charge/discharge rates of up to 120 C (30 s) and an ultra-long lifetime, of over 10 000 charge/discharge cycles (accompanied by a minor capacity loss of 14%). Finally, the polymer was compared with its nonconjugated derivative, revealing the positive influence of the conjugated backbone on the material activity owing to improved electron transfer within the polymer chain. Researchers in Germany have unlocked the secret to using water as an electrolyte in rechargeable batteries with a new conjugated polymer. Polymer batteries are flexible and lightweight, but a reliance on flammable organic solvents for electrolytes has raised concerns. Ulrich S. Schubert and colleagues synthesized a poly(acetylene)-based compound containing charge-active organosulphurs to improve battery safety while maintaining high performance. Water has a narrow range of stability under applied voltages, making it tricky to use as an electrolyte. The team's polymer, however, is capable of a reversible, two-electron oxidation reaction in this range. A prototype with the polymer cathode, a zinc anode and an aqueous electrolyte revealed the possibilities of this approach — the battery could be charged to its 1-volt potential within 30 seconds and had a lifetime exceeding 10,000 recharge cycles. The application of a conjugated polymer with 9,10-di(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-9,10-dihydroanthracene (exTTF) units as cathode and zinc as anode enables an aqueous-based hybrid organic battery. This energy storage device features ultra-high rate performance of up to a full charge in 30 s and an extended lifetime up to 10 000 cycles.
Highlights
The application of organic redox-active compounds, instead of metals and their alloys, as active materials in both the anode and the cathode of secondary batteries has certain advantages such as low toxicity, flexibility and being light in weight.[1,2] Organic compounds are synthesized in low-temperature processes and consist of naturally abundant elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur, allowing residual-free disposal and energy generation from renewable resources; this leads to a low carbon footprint.[3]
The redox potential of the second oxidation from a radical cation to a dication is shifted to a lower potential owing to the increased stability caused by the formation of an extended aromatic system and its planar low-energy conformation.[20]
After the deprotection of the ethynyl group under alkaline conditions,22 2-ethynylanthraquinone (3) was transformed via the Horner–Wardsworth–Emmons reaction to the acetylene monomer. 4 exhibits poor solubility in organic solvents, which are commonly used for the metal-catalyzed polymerization of phenylacetylene derivative, but exhibits sufficient solubility in aprotic polar solvents, such as DMF or dimethylsulfoxide that are
Summary
The application of organic redox-active compounds, instead of metals and their alloys, as active materials in both the anode and the cathode of secondary batteries has certain advantages such as low toxicity, flexibility and being light in weight.[1,2] Organic compounds are synthesized in low-temperature processes and consist of naturally abundant elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and/or sulfur, allowing residual-free disposal and energy generation from renewable resources; this leads to a low carbon footprint.[3]. The application of these electrodes as active cathode materials in hybrid zinc-organic batteries using an aqueous electrolyte enabled the production of air-stable charge storage systems with a theoretical capacity of 133 mAh g − 1.
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