A large π-conjugated tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin anode enables high specific capacity and superior cycling stability in lithium-ion batteries

We demonstrated a novel single molecule – tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) with a large π-conjugated system as a high-performance organic anode of lithium batteries. It was found that this TCPP displayed relatively low solubility (<0.1 mg mL−1) in a 1 M LiDFOB/PC electrolyte, high reversible specific capacity (ca. 1200 mA h g−1 at 358 mA g−1), excellent rate capability (548.4 mA h g−1 at 8 A g−1) and superior cycling performance (capacity retention of 89% after 2500 cycles at 6 A g−1).