Synergistic graphene immobilization and electrolyte engineering enables durable lithiated organic cathodes

Lithiated small-molecule organic carbonyl compounds are promising cathode candidates for lithium-ion batteries yet suffer from severe electrolyte dissolution and low electronic conductivity, which severely compromise their cycling stability and rate capability. Herein, we propose a synergistic strategy combining graphene immobilization and localized high-concentration electrolyte (LHCE) regulation to overcome these limitations. Specifically, a typical lithiated cathode, 8 O-4Li, is uniformly anchored on graphene via π–π interactions, constructing a conductive composite (8 O-4Li@G) with inhibited molecular dissolution and accelerated electron transfer. The LHCE further suppresses solvent-induced active material loss. The integrated design enables the 8 O-4Li@G composite to deliver a high reversible capacity of 219 mAh g −1 at 0.02 A g −1 with a high average discharge voltage of 3.5 V, achieving a remarkable energy density of ~760 Wh kg −1 based on the mass of 8O-4Li. Furthermore, it achieves impressive cycling stability with 96% capacity retention over 300 cycles at 1 A g −1 and superior rate capability. This work presents an effective strategy to unlock the full potential of lithiated organic cathodes for high-energy-density batteries.