A Lithium-Organic Primary Battery

Lithium primary batteries are still widely used in military, aerospace, medical, and civilian applications despite the omnipresence of rechargeable Li-ion batteries. However, these current primary chemistries are exclusively based on inorganic materials with high cost, low energy density or severe safety concerns. Here, a novel lithium-organic primary battery chemistry that operates through a synergetic reduction of 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) is reported. In FEC-presence, the equilibrium between the carbonyl and enol structures is disabled, and replaced by an irreversible process that corresponds to a large capacity along with methylene and inorganic salts (such as LiF, Li 2 CO 3 ) generated as products. This irreversible chemistry of AQ yields a high energy density of 1300 Wh/(kg of AQ) at a stable discharge voltage platform of 2.4 V as well as high rate capability (up to 313 mAh g −1 at a current density of 1000 mA g −1 ), wide temperature range of operation (−40 to 40 °C) and low self-discharge rate. Combined with the advantages of low toxicity, facile and diverse synthesis methods, and easy accessibility of AQ, Li-organic primary battery chemistry promises a new battery candidate for applications that requires low cost, high environmental friendliness, and high energy density.