9,10-Anthraquinone/K<sub>2</sub>CuFe(CN)<sub>6</sub>: A Highly Compatible Aqueous Aluminum-Ion Full-Battery Configuration
Lijing Yan, Xiaomin Zeng, Shu Zhao, Wei Jiang, Zeheng Li, Xuehui Gao, Tiefeng Liu, Zekai Ji, Tingli Ma, Min Ling, Chengdu Liang
Abstract
Temporally intermittent and spatially dispersed renewable energy sources strongly call for large-scale energy storage devices. Aqueous aluminum-ion batteries show great potential for application due to their safety and low cost. Thus far, however, the ideal full-battery configuration is beyond the scope due to shortcomings with regards to suitable anode and cathode materials. Herein, we report a pioneering aqueous aluminum-ion battery system consisting of a Prussian white cathode, 1 M Al2(SO4)3 aqueous electrolyte, and an organic 9,10-anthraquinone anode. The oxidation capability of the Prussian white cathode during the first charging allows for the fabrication of the full battery without pre-inserting aluminum ions, thus making the rocking-chair-type battery feasible. Importantly, the open-framework structure of the Prussian white and distinct enolization charge storage mechanism of 9,10-anthraquinone ensure fast reaction kinetics. The full battery exhibits cycling stability with a capacity retention of 89.1% over 100 cycles at 500 mA g–1, finishing a cycle in about 10 min. This work provides a pathway for developing rechargeable aqueous aluminum-ion batteries.