All-Solid-State Rechargeable Air Batteries Using Dihydroxybenzoquinone and Its Polymer as the Negative Electrode

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• All-solid-state rechargeable air batteries (SSABs) offer potential for safer and more energy-dense storage solutions compared to conventional batteries.
• Developing stable and efficient redox-active materials and electrolytes is crucial for advancing SSAB technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DHBQ) and its polymer (PDBM) in an SSAB.
• To evaluate the performance of a proton-conductive polymer (Nafion) as an electrolyte in the SSAB system.
• To enhance the electrochemical performance and cycling stability of the developed SSAB.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an all-solid-state rechargeable air battery utilizing DHBQ and PDBM as redox-active materials.
• Incorporation of Nafion as a proton-conductive polymer electrolyte.
• Electrochemical characterization including open circuit voltage, discharge capacity, rate capability, and charge/discharge cycling tests.

Main Results:

• DHBQ demonstrated effective redox activity within the solid Nafion electrolyte at potentials comparable to aqueous systems.
• The SSAB with DHBQ achieved an open circuit voltage of 0.80 V and a discharge capacity of 29.7 mAh/g.
• Utilizing PDBM significantly increased the discharge capacity to 176.1 mAh/g due to improved redox moiety utilization.
• Capacity retention after 30 cycles was improved from 44% to 78% by optimizing Nafion composition.

Conclusions:

• The proof-of-concept study confirms the viability of DHBQ and PDBM as redox-active materials in SSABs.
• Tuning the Nafion electrolyte composition is a key strategy for enhancing the cycling stability and overall performance of these solid-state batteries.
• This work paves the way for developing advanced, safer, and high-performance rechargeable air battery technologies.