Preparation of the tetrahydro-hexaquinone as a novel cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries

A novel quinone compound, tetrahydro-hexaquinone (THHQ), was prepared by a facile oxidation process and characterized by FT-IR, NMR and elemental analysis (EA). The compound was tested as a novel cathode active material for rechargeable lithium batteries. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and charge-discharge tests of THHQ were investigated in an electrolyte system of LiPF6/ethylene carbonate (EC)+ diethyl carbonate (DEC, 1:1 by volume). The electrochemical tests showed that an initial specific capacity of 340 mA h g(-1) was obtained and 203 mA h g(-1) specific capacity was retained after 40 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g(-1). The results indicated that THHQ can afford a high specific capacity as a potential cathode active material. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.