Crystalline polycyclic quinone derivatives as organic positive-electrode materials for use in rechargeable lithium batteries

The performance of 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ), and 5,7,12,14-pentacenetetrone (PT) as active materials for rechargeable lithium batteries was investigated. Positive-electrodes in which AQ and PT were incorporated showed initial discharge capacities of greater than 200 mAh/g(AQ or PT). The obtained discharge capacities suggest that a multi-electron redox reaction takes place in each derivative. The discharge capacity of the positive-electrode with AQ rapidly decreased during the charge/discharge cycles; however, the positive-electrode with PT showed a relatively good cycle-life performance; it maintained about 80% of the initial capacity even after 100 cycles.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlight► 5,7,12,14-Pentacenetetrone (PT) as a positive-electrode active material was examined. ► The PT-based electrode showed the initial capacity of greater than 200 mAh/g. ► The PT-based electrode showed a fair cycle performance. ► A favorable effect of the large π-system on the cycle-life stability was observed.