9,10-Anthraquinone/K2CuFe(CN)6: A Highly Compatible Aqueous Aluminum-Ion Full-Battery Configuration

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 Al-2(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.

Automated summary

This research presents a novel aqueous aluminum-ion battery system utilizing a Prussian white cathode and 9,10-anthraquinone anode to enable a rocking-chair battery design, demonstrating fast reaction kinetics and cycling stability.