Electrospun perylene dianhydride electrodes with fine micro-nanostructures for high-performance lithium-organic batteries

Perylene dianhydride (PDA), a low-cost, readily available, and chemically stable organic cathode material, has received extensive attention in recent years. However, its large pi planar structure often results in poor or difficult-to-control micro-nanostructures during conventional electrode processing methods, such as dry mixing. This leads to limited cycling life and rate performance. Here, we present a simple electrospinning strategy for controlling the micro-nanostructures of electrodes based on PDA, carbon black Super P (SP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composites. The spinnable PVDF polymer not only provides the micro-nanofibrous structure but also realizes the function of the binder in the electrodes, offering the hierarchical micro-nanostructures of the electrospun PDA (PDA-es) electrodes. The unique structure enables PDA-es electrodes to possess rapid charge transport properties and ultrafast reaction kinetics. Specifically, the PDA electrode based on high molecular weight electrospun PVDF (PDA-es-H) demonstrates a high initial specific capacity (126.2 mA h g-1), robust cycling stability (similar to 95% and similar to 60% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 50 mA h g-1 and 1000 cycles at 100 mA h g-1, respectively), and excellent rate performance. This study provides a straightforward and efficient strategy for realizing the micro-nanostructures of organic electrodes for high-performance lithium-organic batteries. An electrospun PDA electrode (PDA-es-H) demonstrates a high capacity, robust cycling stability, and excellent rate performance for lithium-organic battery application.