An Organic Anode Material for Stable Sodium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

The objective of the project was to develop sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), with stable life cycles. The materials used in this study are affordable and abundant as well, making the SIBs more cost-effective and sustainable. The advantages of affordable rechargeable batteries with long and stable life cycles are having more resources to make these kinds of batteries, along with the durability against time. The first step of my research was synthesizing tetrahydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone to fabricate the electrodes used in the batteries, by mixing it with carbon black and sodium alginate aqueous solution. After assembly of the batteries in the glovebox, various electrochemical methods were used to test the performances of the anode, such as galvanostatic charge and discharge tests to study the life cycles of the batteries, as well as the decay during repeated charge and discharge processes, aiming to achieve long lifetime in SIBs. The research showed that using the active material we synthesized gives the batteries stable life cycles, as well as no deterioration in the composition of the anode. Batteries such as these will improve technology in the future and allow people to have more durable everyday items at a lower cost.