A dual–ion battery using diamino–rubicene as anion–inserting positive electrode material

A novel and non-polymeric anion-inserting electrode material has been designed and prepared for promoting research on molecular ion rechargeable batteries: 5,12-diaminorubicene (DARb). The apolar core structure of a rubicene molecule has been coupled to two amino-groups for producing an original conjugated primary diamine exhibiting low affinity for polar solvents such as common carbonate-based battery electrolytes. The electrochemical reactivity of this organic molecule has been probed in a dual-ion cell configuration (vs. Li) using six different electrolyte formulations in terms of solvent (PC, EC-DMC) and lithium salt (LiPF6, LiClO4, LiTFSI). This diamino-rubicene material systematically showed a reversible electroactivity and promising performances when using 1M LiPF6 in EC:DMC (1:1vol.%) as the electrolyte, such as an average potential of ~3.4V vs. Li+/Li0, an initial capacity of 115mAh·g−1 and a good capacity retention over 60cycles without any optimization. [Display omitted] •A molecular and non-polymeric rubicene-based electrode has been developed.•The solid state electroactivity is of p-type and related to conjugated amino groups.•Full capacity (1 e/amino group) can be reached at potentials >3V vs. Li+/Li.•The reversible insertion process can be observed with different anions.