Micropore confinement for a highly rechargeable aqueous Zn-hydroquinone battery with exceptional capacity

Abstract

A highly rechargeable battery utilizing a zinc anode, aqueous ZnSO₄ electrolyte, and hydroquinone (QH2) cathode is reported. QH2 immobilized within the pores of microporous carbon delivered a high specific capacity (482 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.5C), approaching the theoretical specific capacity of QH2 (486.8 mA h g⁻¹). A high capacity was maintained even after 1000 charge–discharge cycles (99% retention of initial charge capacity), with 99% coulombic efficiency. The environentally green Zn–QH2 battery did not include any heavy or transition metal ions, or corrosive or flammable electrolytes, and utilized abundant and readily available materials.