High-Performance PDB Organic Cathodes Reinforced by 3D Flower-like Carbon for Lithium-/Sodium-Ion Batteries

Organic compound materials offer environmental protection, abundant resources, strong versatility in structure, and low-cost assembly, owing to which these being recognized as auspicious cathode materials for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. However, the inherent higher solubility and lower conductivity of organic compound materials severely affect their industrial applications. Herein, we report a poly(2,3-dithio-1,4-benzoquinone) composite with three-dimensional flower-like porous carbon (PDB/3D-FC) as a worthy choice for a battery electrode. The in situ polymerization methodology makes the distribution of PDB more uniform, and the three-dimensional flower-like porous carbon structure prevents the accumulation of PDB. Moreover, the hierarchical porous structure of PDB/3D-FC provides an effective transport path for electrons/ions. Taking benefit from the desirable fabrication strategy and well-chosen materials, the PDB/3D-FC electrode exhibits an excellent rate capacity of 203 mAh g–1 in a lithium-ion battery and 183 mAh g–1 in a sodium-ion battery under an ultrahigh current density of 1 A g–1. The preparation strategy reported in this paper is general and suitable for enhancing the electrochemical characteristics of other organic electrode materials.