Opportunities and Challenges for Organic Electrodes\nin Electrochemical Energy Storage

Abstract

As\nthe world moves toward electromobility and a concomitant decarbonization\nof its electrical supply, modern society is also entering a so-called\nfourth industrial revolution marked by a boom of electronic devices\nand digital technologies. Consequently, battery demand has exploded\nalong with the need for ores and metals to fabricate them. Starting\nfrom such a critical analysis and integrating robust structural data,\nthis review aims at pointing out there is room to promote organic-based\nelectrochemical energy storage. Combined with recycling solutions, redox-active organic species could decrease the pressure on inorganic compounds\nand offer valid options in terms of environmental footprint and possible\ndisruptive chemistries to meet the energy storage needs of both today\nand tomorrow. We review state-of-the-art developments in organic batteries,\ncurrent challenges, and prospects, and we discuss the fundamental\nprinciples that govern the reversible chemistry of organic structures.\nWe provide a comprehensive overview of all reported cell configurations\nthat involve electroactive organic compounds working either in the\nsolid state or in solution for aqueous or nonaqueous electrolytes.\nThese configurations include alkali (Li/Na/K) and multivalent (Mg,\nZn)-based electrolytes for conventional “sealed” batteries and redox-flow systems. We also highlight the most promising systems based on\nsuch various chemistries relying on appropriate metrics such as operation\nvoltage, specific capacity, specific energy, or cycle life to assess\nthe performances of electrodes.