Electrochemistry of Azobenzenes and Its Potential for Energy Storage

Azobenzenes are promising materials for energy storage due to their reversible photoisomerization and redox properties. Given the critical role of redox behavior in the latter application, an investigation of their redox processes is essential. We propose a classification of azobenzenes into two categories: benzenoid-type and quinoid-type, based on the mechanism of their oxidation. Benzenoid-type compounds have been extensively studied due to their reversible reduction. Quinoid-type compounds exhibit oxidative and reductive versatility, making them promising for further research in energy storage.