Rechargeable Seawater Batteries Based on Polyimide Anodes

Abstract

Being nearly unlimited natural resource containing mostly Na cations, the use of seawater as an electrolyte solution (aka seawater batteries) for electrochemical energy storage has received growing attention. To date, the vast majority of studies have focused on the use of seawater in Na-metal batteries protected by ion-conductive membranes hermetic to water. These systems, however, are complex and expensive, and suffer from a short cycling life. Here, we present alternative seawater batteries that utilize polyimide anodes. With its high capacity of more than 140 mAh/g, impressive rate capability, and excellent long-term stability (98% capacity retention after more than 9000 cycles), the prepared polyimide electrodes demonstrated to be promising candidate anodes for seawater electrochemical energy storage devices. Looking for a suitable cathode, we explored the use of nickel hexacyanoferrate (Ni-HCF) and activated carbon. Our findings suggest an innovative approach to design sustainable and cost-effective systems for large-scale energy storage.

Polyimide Compounds For Post‐Lithium Energy Storage Applications

“…As presented in Figures 6d and 6e, capacities from � 140 to � 100 mAh g À 1 for 1-10 A g À 1 current densities and excellent long-term stability of nearly 10000 cycles at 10 A g À 1 were achieved in non-treated seawater-based electrolyte solutions in Figure 6f. [23] This study demonstrates the exceptional stability of PI structures even in mixed electrolyte environments, thus paving the way for the utilization of seawater as a very cheap and abundant electrolyte solution in rechargeable batteries for large energy storage.…”

“…It works between 1.6 to 3.6 V vs Na/Na + (Figure 3a) with stable cycling for 400 cycles at a small current density of 0.1 C (Figure 3b). It delivers specific [22,23] b) solid-state 13 C NMR of PI c) solid-state 1 H NMR. Reproduced with permission from ref.…”

Green synthesis of polyimide by using an ethanol solvothermal method for aqueous zinc batteries

“…Furthermore, absorption peak at 1777 cm −1 , attributed to the C]O in urea, was observed. [39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46] Meanwhile, N-H absorption peaks of urea were observed in the range of 3200-3600 cm −1 . 43 Notably, when the ethanol content was 10%, 30%, 50%, and 70%, no clear absorption peak of urea C]O was detected in the FTIR spectra of the synthesized U-PI.…”

Is “Water in Salt” Electrolytes the Ultimate Solution? Achieving High Stability of Organic Anodes in Diluted Electrolyte Solutions Via a Wise Anions Selection

“…Looking for cost‐effective electrodes compatible with aqueous electrolytes, the use of redox‐active organic materials is gaining momentum. Of particular interest are carbonyl compounds which store charge by reduction of carbonyl groups to form metal enolate [11–13] . Due to the facile surface redox reactions, organic structures are not constrained by ion size or valence, making them highly desirable for large‐scale energy storage.…”

“…Of particular interest are carbonyl compounds which store charge by reduction of carbonyl groups to form metal enolate. [11][12][13] Due to the facile surface redox reactions, organic structures are not constrained by ion size or valence, making them highly desirable for large-scale energy storage. In this regard, one of the most interesting organic electrodes' materials is PTCDA.…”