Quinone possesses a large theoretical specific capacity (\~500 mAh/g) and tunable reduction potential (1.5 V – 3.0 V vs. Li) making it an attractive electrode material for battery-based energy storage. Realization of an electrochemical energy storage device based on this organic molecule is hindered by its low electronic conductivity and high solubility in traditional battery electrolytes. Therefore, it is proposed a Polyquinone nano-composite with Graphene and Cellulose Nanocrystals as a potential candidate for battery active electrode materials. Polymerization of Quinone is pursued in order to increase the molecular weight of the molecule and reduce its solubility in liquid electrolytes. Quinone is polymerized through a cationic chain-growth approach using dilute sulfuric acid and relatively low temperatures (\~90 °C) in presence of a Graphene and Cellulose Nanocrystals aqueous dispersion. Graphene is added to the composite to enhance the electronic conductivity and also to serve as a nano-template for morphology control during polymer formation due to its high specific surface area. Polymer coverage of Graphene sheets is evidenced as a consequence of the interaction between positively charged monomers and sheets π-π conjugated system during polymerization. Graphene aqueous dispersions are first obtained by hydrothermal reduction of electrochemically exfoliated Graphene Oxide in presence of Cellulose Nanocrystals colloids formed by electrostatic repulsion of fibrils due to de-protonated carboxyl or sulfate half-ester functional groups. In this regard, the role of Cellulose Nanocrystals is to avoid Graphene agglomeration and stabilize its aqueous dispersion after reduction of Graphene Oxide dispersions. Upon synthesis of the composite, a Graphene/Cellulose-Nanocrystal Polyquinone-Covered network is obtained and further tested as an electrode material for an aqueous battery. The charge transfer kinetics and stability of the electrodes is enhanced by the addition of Graphene and Cellulose Nanocrystals. Results suggest that such enhancement is a consequence of the template role for Graphene and Cellulose Nanocrystals in the resulting Polyquinone nanocomposite. By template role, it is understood the effect of morphological control due to the coating of nano-additives by the polymer. There is no evidence of covalent-type interaction between the polymer and the nanomaterials which is desirable from the standpoint of preservation of Graphene electronic properties. However, such secondary interaction allows anchoring and stabilization of polymer chains. Therefore, the Graphene/Cellulose-Nanocrystal polymer-coated structure allows more surface area in contact with the electrolyte which in consequence boosts the charge transport reactions and increases the mass of electrode material able to experience redox reactions. The presence of the additives does not compromise the electroactive response of Quinone allowing it to undergo a stable two-electron redox reaction.


Polyquinone Composites With Graphene and Cellulose Nanocrystals for Electrochemical Energy Storage

Division / Sponsors: 
Aerospace, Bioengineering, Applied Mechanics, Design Engineering Division, Advanced Energy Systems, Manufacturing Engineering Division, Noise Control and Acoustics, Nondestructive Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Prognosis (NDPD), Nuclear Engineering Division, Process Industries Division, Fluids Engineering, Heat Transfer, Materials, Microelectromechanical Systems, Safety Engineering and Risk Analysis, Computers & Information in Engineering


Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/IMECE/IMECE2020/volume/84478

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