Practical lithium-organic batteries enabled by an n-type conducting polymer.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41708860.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41586-026-10174-7.
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Abstract
Organic batteries using abundant and recyclable organic electrode materials provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial lithium-ion batteries<sup>1-5</sup>, which rely on resource-limited mineral-derived inorganic electrode materials<sup>6-8</sup>. However, the practical use of organic batteries has been severely hindered by the intrinsic insulation and dissolution of organic electrode materials<sup>9,10</sup>. Here we report practical organic batteries using an n-type conducting polymer cathode, poly(benzodifurandione) (PBFDO), which exhibits excellent mixed ionic and electronic transport and low solubility. The PBFDO cathode maintains its n-doped state throughout the electrochemical processes and exhibits stable and reversible redox characteristics, high electrical conductivities and significant lithium-ion diffusion coefficients, without the need for additional conductive additives. Consequently, ultrahigh-mass-loading polymer cathodes, with mass loadings up to 206 mg cm<sup>-2</sup>, are realized, delivering a high areal capacity of 42 mAh cm<sup>-2</sup> and demonstrating robust cycling stability. Furthermore, practical 2.5 Ah lithium-organic pouch cells were fabricated, achieving an impressive energy density of 255 Wh kg<sup>-1</sup>. Notably, the conducting polymer cathode operates efficiently over a wide temperature range from -70 °C to 80 °C and demonstrates excellent flexibility and safety, marking considerable potential for applications in extreme conditions and wearable electronics.