Structure-Property Relationships of Bis-Tetraaminobenzoquinone Redox Cores in Aqueous Electrolytes

Bis-tetraaminobenzoquinone fused cores have emerged as a promising class of redox-active materials for use in batteries, offering high specific capacities, excellent conductivity, and insolubility in a wide variety of electrolytes. However, the structure-property relationships that underpin these advantageous features remain largely unexplored. In this study, we have synthesized a series of bis-tetraaminobenzoquinone derivatives, including monomeric forms, extended aromatic polymers, and polymerized but electronically isolated structures. Through comprehensive analysis using Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MAS-NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), and various electroanalytical techniques, we elucidate how the molecular structures of these systems influence their apparent diffusion coefficient of electron transfer (D app ), homogeneous self-exchange rate constant (k ex ), and ion diffusion coefficient (D ion ) in a range of aqueous electrolytes. Our findings provide valuable insights into the fundamental molecular features that govern the redox properties of these materials. This knowledge can inform the rational design of next-generation organic redox-active materials with optimized performance for battery applications. Figure 1