Dual-graphite cells have been proposed as electrochemical energy storage systems using graphite as both, the anode and cathode, whereas the electrolyte cations intercalate into the negative electrode and the electrolyte anions intercalate into the positive electrode during charge. On discharge, cations and anions are released back into the electrolyte. In this contribution, we present highly promising results for "dual-ion cells" based on intercalation of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions into a graphite cathode from an ionic liquid-based electrolyte, namely N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Pyr 14 TFSI). As the compatibility of this ionic liquid with graphitic anodes is relatively poor, metallic lithium and lithium titanate (Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 ) are used as anode. As both cations and anions participate in the charge/discharge reaction and other anode materials than graphite are possible, we propose the name "dual-ion cells" for these systems. The cell performance was studied in terms of cut-off voltage, temperature, cycling stability, self-discharge and rate performance. Depending on the cut-off voltage and temperature, coulombic efficiencies of more than 99 % and specific discharge capacities exceeding 100 mAh g −1 (based on graphite cathode weight) were achieved. Furthermore, this system provides an excellent cycling stability and capacity retention above 99 % after 500 cycles, outperforming reported organic solvent-based dual-graphite or dual-ion cells. Graphite is a redox-amphoteric intercalation host and therefore cations and anions can be electrochemically intercalated at different potentials yielding so-called donor-type or acceptor-type graphite intercalation compounds (GICs).1,2 Currently, the predominantly used donor-type GIC is LiC x . The LiC x /C x redox couple is the major active compound for state-of-the-art negative electrodes in lithium ion batteries. [3][4][5][6][7] Compared to the limited number of cationic intercalation guests, there is a broad spectrum of different anions capable to form acceptor-type GICs. Examples are hexa-or tetrafluoride guest species, e. g. PF 6− , AsF In 1938, Rüdorff and Hofmann developed the first ion transfer or rocking chair cell based on the shuttling of HSO 4 − anions between two graphite electrodes ( Figure 1a).14 This cell can be considered as the ancestor of the well-known lithium-ion cell, where lithium cations are transferred between two insertion electrodes during the charge/discharge process (Figure 1b). 3 In the 1990s, a rechargeable electrochemical energy storage system, using graphite as positive and negative electrode material in combination with a non-aqueous electrolyte has been introduced by and Carlin et al. 27,28 Carlin et al. investigated the reductive and oxidative intercalation of different cations and anions from ionic liquid-based electrolytes (without any additional lithium salt), such as 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (EMI + PF 6 − ). This system, a so-called dual-graphite cell, was bas...
