In situ construction of p-type phenothiazine-based hypercrosslinked polymer@carbon nanotubes composite cathode for high-voltage lithium organic batteries

Due to the high potential property (≥3.5 V vs Li/Li + ), p-type organic electro-chemical active materials (OEAMs) have attracted increased attention to constructing high-voltage cathodes for lithium organic batteries (LOBs). However, small-molecule p-type OEAMs face severe electrolyte dissolution. Herein, we develop a phenothiazine-based hypercrosslinked polymer (PZ-X) via Friedel–Crafts chemistry to inhibit dissolution. More importantly, to optimize micro-nano morphology with conductive agent of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), an in situ synthesized PZ-X@CNTs composite cathode is proposed. Characterizations confirm PZ-X@CNTs' effective π-π interactions and favorable nanocomposite morphology. The PZ-X and PZ-X@CNTs cathodes deliver ≈120 mAh g −1 at 2.0–4.5 V. Notably, the in situ synthesized PZ-X@CNTs cathode exhibits superior rate capability and cycling stability. This work provides valuable guidance for in situ constructing high-performance p-type OEAMs with fine micro-nanostructures for high-voltage LOBs.