Advanced 1D Metal–Organic Coordination Polymer for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Designing, Synthesis, and Working Mechanism

Anthraquinone (AQ) and its derivatives have been attracting more attention as promising electrode materials for lithium storage because of their high specific capacity, structural diversity, and environmental friendliness. The dissolution and poor electrical conductivity of AQ, however, limit its practical application. Here, a novel metal–organic coordination polymer with a one-dimensional (1D) chain ([C14H6O4Cu]n denoted as Cu-DHAQ; DHAQ, 1,5-dihydroxyl anthraquinone) and its composite with graphene (Cu-DHAQ/G; G, graphene) are developed by the introduction of graphene and copper ion into DHAQ. The fabricated polymer with a 1D chain not only well inhibits the dissolution of DHAQ in organic electrolytes but also facilitates lithium-ion insertion/extraction on carbonyl groups and shortens the migration path of lithium ions. Furthermore, the addition of the conductive network of graphene provides fast transfer rates of electrons. As a result, Cu-DHAQ/G delivers a high discharge capacity, long cycle life, and excellent rate capability. The lithium storage mechanism shows lithium ion insertion/extraction on two carbonyl groups of Cu-DHAQ in the range of 1.6–2.0 V and the redox reaction of Cu+/Cu2+ between 2.8 and 3.0 V, and Cu2+ and Cu+ coexist in the Cu-DHAQ/G electrode during the charge/discharge process. This study provides meaningful guidance to develop metal–organic coordination polymer electrodes for high-performance Li-ion batteries.