Controlled quinone introduction into N,N,N′,N′-tetra(4-aminophenol)-1,4-phenylenediamine as a cathode material for zinc-ion batteries

Benzoquinone was introduced into N,N,N′,N′-tetra(4-aminophenol)-1,4-phenylenediamine (TAPA) to obtain an organic polymer (N4HQ) by irradiation using a microwave method. N4HQ changes from bulk to dispersed particles after long cycling, which is conducive for inserting/extracting Zn²⁺ ions. There are abundant –CO groups in N4HQ to capture Zn²⁺, enabling a high charge storage capacity for zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). The N4HQ electrode delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 166 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ without obvious capacitive decay after 10 000 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹.