Boosting Aqueous Zn2+ Storage in 1,4,5,8‐Naphthalenetetracarboxylic Dianhydride through Nitrogen Substitution

The research of organic materials thrives for lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries but lacks for aqueous Zn2+ batteries. Herein, we prepared 1,4,5,8‐naphthalene diimide (NTCDI), which is derived from 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, through nitrogen substitution with the assistance of ammonia solution. NTCDI is first applied in aqueous Zn2+ batteries, which can give a high reversible capacity of 240 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. The electrochemical kinetics analysis indicates that the diffusion‐control process dominates in the electrode reaction. NTCDI can keep 73.7 % of the initial capacity of 152 mAh g−1 after 2000 continuous charge/discharge cycles at 1 A g−1, showing great potential for zinc storage. If the shoe fits: Highly activated 1,4,5,8‐naphthalene diimide (NTCDI) is prepared by dissolving 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA) in ammonia solution. Two C=O groups of adjacent NTCDI molecules can accommodate Zn2+ efficiently in aqueous zin‐ion batteries (ZIBs). The contact possibility of Zn2+ and C=O bonds increases among NTCDI molecules with smaller crystal size, which is conducive to advancing the electrochemical performance. The exploration of NTCDA in ZIBs creates a strategy for designing organic materials for zinc storage.