Polymer–Graphene Nanocomposites as Ultrafast-Charge and -Discharge Cathodes for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

TLDR

Electroactive polymers represent a new generation of green cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. The authors developed graphene‑based nanocomposites with poly(anthraquinonyl sulfide) and polyimide to enhance their high‑rate performance. The nanocomposites were fabricated by in‑situ polymerization of the polymers in the presence of graphene sheets, producing highly dispersed graphene within the polymer matrix. The resulting composites exhibited dramatically improved electronic conductivity, enabling ultrafast charge–discharge cycles that deliver over 100 mAh g⁻¹ in just a few seconds.

Abstract

Electroactive polymers are a new generation of "green" cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. We have developed nanocomposites combining graphene with two promising polymer cathode materials, poly(anthraquinonyl sulfide) and polyimide, to improve their high-rate performance. The polymer-graphene nanocomposites were synthesized through a simple in situ polymerization in the presence of graphene sheets. The highly dispersed graphene sheets in the nanocomposite drastically enhanced the electronic conductivity and allowed the electrochemical activity of the polymer cathode to be efficiently utilized. This allows for ultrafast charging and discharging; the composite can deliver more than 100 mAh/g within just a few seconds.