High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries Based on an Organic Compound with Multiple Active Groups and Hydrogen Bonds

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted attention due to their low cost, abundant resources, and safety features. However, finding high-performance cathode materials for AZIBs remains a key challenge. Herein, we report the synthesis of a small molecular organic compound with hydrogen bonds and multiple active groups, hexaazatriphenylenehexacarboxy triimide (HHT). As a cathode material for AZIBs, the electrochemical performance of HHT was evaluated, demonstrating an outstanding discharge capacity of 574 mA h g^–1 at 0.05 A g^–1 with an approximate capacity retention of 70% after 1000 cycles at 2 A g^–1 and high rate capability. The study on the electrode reaction mechanism shows that both Zn²⁺ and H⁺ ions interact with HHT. The flexible Zn//HHT aqueous battery also has superior discharge specific capacity, high cycle stability, and excellent mechanical flexibility, and its maximum volume energy density is 4.32 mW cm^–3, showing its future application prospect in wearable electronics.