Co-free, High-Energy, Fast-Charging, Long-Lasting Li-Ion Batteries?

[Astronuc]

https://phys.org/news/2024-01-cobalt-free-batteries-power-cars.html

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscentsci.3c01478

Abstract:

Eliminating the use of critical metals in cathode materials can accelerate global adoption of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Organic cathode materials, derived entirely from earth-abundant elements, are in principle ideal alternatives but have not yet challenged inorganic cathodes due to poor conductivity, low practical storage capacity, or poor cyclability. Here, we describe a layered organic electrode material whose high electrical conductivity, high storage capacity, and complete insolubility enable reversible intercalation of Li+ ions, allowing it to compete at the electrode level, in all relevant metrics, with inorganic-based lithium-ion battery cathodes. Our optimized cathode stores 306 mAh g^–1_cathode, delivers an energy density of 765 Wh kg^–1_cathode, higher than most cobalt-based cathodes, and can charge–discharge in as little as 6 min. These results demonstrate the operational competitiveness of sustainable organic electrode materials in practical batteries.

Co is a critical mineral with a vulnerable supply chain. Ideally, it would be a great benefit to reduce it's need and consumption.

The authors state that they, "demonstrate that bis-tetraaminobenzoquinone (TAQ), a fused conjugated molecule with a layered solid-state structure, functions as a fast-charging, high-energy, and long-lasting OEM for LIB cathodes."

The paper discusses some of the chemistry and properties of bis-tetraaminobenzoquinone (TAQ).