A Macromolecule Cathode for High-Performance Li-Ion and Na-Ion Batteries

Organic macromolecules have a molecular weight (M w) between small molecules (M w < 1000 g mol(-1)) and polymers (M w > 5000 g mol-1). In this work, we design a novel organic macromolecule, namely, 1,1' -(1,4-phenylene)-bis[N,N' -bis(2-anthraquinone)]-bis[perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxydiimide] (2PTCDI-4AQ). 2PTCDI-4AQ has a definite molecule structure and a large M w value of 1679.59 g mol(-1), thus showing good insolubility against most organic liquids. Meanwhile, 2PTCDI-4AQ can deliver a 12-electron redox mechanism and a theoretical specific capacity (C T) of 189 mAh g(-1). Consequently, 2PTCDI-4AQ exhibits high cathode performances in Li-ion and Na-ion half/full cells. For instance, 2PTCDI-4AQ can show the discharge capacities of 174-188 mAh g(-1) with a highly stable cycling retention of 93-97% during 100 cycles. Meanwhile, 2PTCDI-4AQ can also exhibit good rate performances of 130-148 mAh g(-1) at the large current of 5 A g(-1). As far as we know, this is the first example of macromolecule organic electrodes reported in Li-ion and Na-ion batteries.