Self‐Reinforced Inductive Effect of Symmetric Bipolar Organic Molecule for High‐Performance Rechargeable Batteries

Abstract

Abstract Herein, the self‐reinforced inductive effect derived from coexistence of both p‐ and n‐type redox‐active motifs in a single organic molecule is presented. Molecular orbital energy levels of each motif are dramatically tuned, which leads to the higher oxidation and the lower reduction potentials. The self‐reinforced inductive effect of the symmetric bipolar organic molecule, N,N’‐dimethylquinacridone (DMQA), is corroborated, by both experimental and theoretical methods. Furthermore, its redox mechanism and reaction pathway in the Li+‐battery system are scrutinized. DMQA shows excellent capacity retention at the operating voltage of 3.85 and 2.09 V (vs Li+/Li) when used as the cathode and anode, respectively. Successful operation of DMQA electrodes in a symmetric all‐organic battery is also demonstrated. The comprehensive insight into the energy storage capability of the symmetric bipolar organic molecule and its self‐reinforced inductive effect is provided. Thus, a new class of organic electrode materials for symmetric all‐organic batteries as well as conventional rechargeable batteries can be conceived.

Keywords

• all‐organic batteries
• Li‐ion batteries
• organic electrodes
• self‐reinforced inductive effect
• symmetric bipolar organic molecules