Poly(hydroquinoyl-benzoquinonyl sulfide) as an active material in Mg and Li organic batteries

• Novel solvothermal synthesis of redox active organic polymer from simple precursors
• Electrochemical activity of organic polymer is assessed in Li and Mg battery system.
• Mg organic battery with an average voltage of 2.0 V vs Mg/Mg2 +.

Herein a novel solvothermal synthesis approach for preparing poly(hydrobenzoquinonyl-benzoquinonyl sulfide) polymer (PHBQS) using sulfur and hydroquinone is presented. We investigate and compare electrochemical activity of this polymer as a cathode in Li and Mg battery systems. In the Li system we retain more than 160 mAh/g after 340 cycles, while in the Mg system a discharge voltage of approximately 2.0 V vs. Mg is achieved. This represents a significant increase in working voltage of Mg organic battery over majority of previously reported Mg organic batteries. The maximum specific capacity of 158 mAh/g is achieved in MgCl2-Mg(TFSI)2 tetraglyme:1,3-dioxolane electrolyte.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide