AsianScientist (Sep. 13, 2017) – In a study published in the journal Nature Energy, a team of researchers in Singapore has designed an organic material that has high electrical conductivity and energy retention capability for use in batteries.
Rechargeable batteries are the key energy storage component in many large-scale battery systems such as electric vehicles and smart renewable energy grids. With the growing demand for these battery systems, researchers are turning to more sustainable, environmentally friendly methods of producing them. One such method is to use organic materials as electrodes in rechargeable batteries.
Organic electrodes leave a smaller environmental footprint during production and disposal as compared to the inorganic metal oxide electrodes commonly used in rechargeable batteries. The structures of organic electrodes can also be engineered to support high energy storage capabilities.
The challenge, however, is the poor electrical conductivity and stability of organic compounds when used in batteries. Organic materials currently used as electrodes in rechargeable batteries, such as conductive polymers and organo-sulfur compounds, also exhibit rapid loss in energy after multiple charges.
In this study, a team led by Professor Loh Kian Ping from the National University of Singapore synthesized a novel organic compound, 3Q (π-conjugated quinoxaline-based heteroaromatic molecule), that has up to six charge storage sites per molecule to enhance the conductivity and energy retention of organic polymer electrodes.
When hybridized with graphene and used in an ether-based electrolyte, the team observed that the 3Q-based electrode displayed a high electrical conductivity of 395 milliampere hour per gram. It also demonstrated strong energy retention capability after multiple cycles of charge and discharge.
This invention paves the way for the development of ultra-stable, high capacity and environmental friendly rechargeable batteries.
“Our study provides evidence that 3Q, and organic molecules of similar structures, in combination with graphene, are promising candidates for the development of eco-friendly, high capacity rechargeable batteries with long life cycles,” said Loh.
The article can be found at: Peng et al. (2017) Reversible Multi-electron Redox Chemistry of π-conjugated N-containing Heteroaromatic Molecule-based Organic Cathodes.
———
Source: National University of Singapore; Photo: Shutterstock.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
