High conductive poly(1,8-diaminonaphthalene)/graphene nanocomposite as a cathode for zinc ion batteries

Recently, aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are experiencing rapid development benefiting to their high safety and increasing electrochemical performance. Among all kinds of AZIB electrode materials, organic materials have attracted attentions due to their unique advantages such as structural flexibility, small volume expansion, abundant Zn 2+ storage sites and environmental friendliness. However, issues involving electrode dissolution, sluggish electrochemical kinetics etc. still hampered the prior choice of organic electrodes. Herein, we designed a poly(1,8-diamino-naphthalene)/ graphene composite aiming to improve the availability of organic electrodes in AZIBs. By means of constructing high conducting graphene network and the synergetic effect between the two components, the electronic transfer kinetics and overall electrochemical performance of PDAN organic electrode have been fully improved. The organic-inorganic composite exhibited an initial specific capacity of 240 mA·h·g −1 and stable galvanostatic cycling after 1000 cycles, exceeding the original polymer.