Electrochemically stabilised quinone based electrode composites for Li-ion batteries

In order to improve the stability and kinetics of organic materials for lithium batteries, composites between a quinone derivative of calyx[4]arene and carbon black were prepared. Two different approaches were used, the first relying on covalent grafting and the second on electrochemical grafting of the quinone derivatives on the carbon black support. The properties of prepared composites were investigated using XRD, FTIR, TGA and NMR, while their electrochemical stability was studied using classical galvanostatical cycling. It was found that the efficiency of the electrochemical stabilisation of organic molecules depends on the surface properties of the substrate. Interestingly, within the same compositional range, the covalently and electrochemically grafted quinone derivatives of calyx[4]arene showed similar cycling stability. Composites with approximately 20 wt.% of active organic material showed excellent cycling stability within 100 cycles with a delivered capacity of about 60 mAh g−1 of composite (more than 300 mAh g−1 per quinone).

Graphical abstractBy the appropriate modification of the insoluble carrier surface, good electrochemical properties (capacity and cycling stability) of quinone based organic molecules can be achieved with or without anchoring molecules to the substrate.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Composites between quinone and carbon black have been used in Li-ion batteries. ► Active material was stabilised by electrochemical or chemical grafting. ► Composites with 20 wt.% of active organic material showed excellent cycling stability. ► Obtained capacity was of about 60 mAh g−1 per composite (300 mAh g−1 per quinone).