Work

Unlocking the Potential of Organic Cathode in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries Through Composite Engineering

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study presents a strategy to enhancing the performance of organic cathode materials for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs). The primary lies in the development of a composite cathode PTO@CMK‐3, which combines pyrene‐4,5,9,10‐tetrone (PTO) with CMK‐3 mesoporous carbon to mitigate the disolution issues that typically limit organic cathodes in aqueous electrolytes. This PTO@CMK‐3 composite material exhibits excellent reversible capacity, maintaining a specific capacity exceeding 90 mAh g − 1 after 2000 cycles at 0.1 A g − 1 , demonstrating outstanding cycling stability. Furthermore, it retains 62% capacity after 33 000 cycles at 2 A g − 1 , showcasing exceptional long‐term performance. The distinctive structure of CMK‐3 improves both electronic and ionic conductivity, while its adsorption capability mitigates the dissolution of PTO discharge products. This dual function provides a scalable approach for the development of organic cathodes in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. This work not only addresses the challenges of organic cathode materials but also opens up new possibilities for sustainable, high‐performance energy storage systems.

Source: Small

DOI: 10.1002/smll.73994