High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries Based on an Organic Compound with Multiple Active Groups and Hydrogen Bonds

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted attention due to their low cost, abundant resources, and safety features. However, finding high-performance cathode materials for AZIBs remains a key challenge. Herein, we report the synthesis of a small molecular organic compound with hydrogen bonds and multiple active groups, hexaazatriphenylenehexacarboxy triimide (HHT). As a cathode material for AZIBs, the electrochemical performance of HHT was evaluated, demonstrating an outstanding discharge capacity of 574 mA h g–1 at 0.05 A g–1 with an approximate capacity retention of 70% after 1000 cycles at 2 A g–1 and high rate capability. The study on the electrode reaction mechanism shows that both Zn2+ and H+ ions interact with HHT. The flexible Zn//HHT aqueous battery also has superior discharge specific capacity, high cycle stability, and excellent mechanical flexibility, and its maximum volume energy density is 4.32 mW cm–3, showing its future application prospect in wearable electronics.