Organic
cathode materials (OCMs) have tremendous potential to construct
sustainable and highly efficient batteries beyond conventional Li-ion
batteries. Thereinto, quinone/pyrazine hybrids show significant advantages
in material availability, energy density, and cycling stability. Herein,
we propose a facile method to synthesize quinone/pyrazine hybrids,
i.e., the condensation reaction between ortho-diamine and bromoacetyl
groups. Based on it, we have successfully synthesized three 1,4-diazaanthraquinone
(DAAQ) dimers, including 2,2′-bi(1,4-diazaanthraquinone) (BDAAQ)
with an exceptional theoretical capacity of 512 mAh g–1 based on the eight-electron reaction. It can be fully utilized in
Li batteries in a wide voltage range of 0.8–3.8 V, at the cost
of inferior cycling stability. In an optimal voltage range of 1.4–3.8
V, BDAAQ exhibits one of the best comprehensive electrochemical performances
for small-molecule OCMs, including a high specific capacity of 366
mAh g–1, an average discharge voltage of 2.26 V,
as well as a respectable capacity retention of 59% after 500 cycles.
Moreover, the in-depth investigations reveal the redox reaction mechanisms
based on CO and CN groups as well as the capacity
fading mechanisms based on dissolution–redeposition behaviors.
In brief, this work provides an instructive synthesis method and mechanism
understanding of high-performance OCMs based on a quinone/pyrazine
hybrid structure.