Micro-nano morphology regulation via electrospinning strategy enables high-performance high-voltage polymer cathodes for lithium-organic batteries

Organic/polymer cathodes have attracted increased attention due to their versatile structures, low cost, facile synthesis, and environmental friendliness. However, the high viscosity of polymers makes achieving manipulable morphology in organic/polymer:conductive agent composites a significant challenge. In response, we report herein a new electrospinning strategy for controlling the micro-nano morphologies of a p-type high-voltage polymer, poly(N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK), with carbon black Super P (SP). The PVK-based fiber cathode (PSP50) made through this strategy possesses a fine 3D nanoporous structure, fast ion/electron transport properties, and ultrafast reaction kinetics. In comparison with PSP electrodes made by traditional methods, like dry-mixing (PSP-dm) and coating (PSP-co), PSP50 exhibits a high discharge capacity of 122 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 with an average discharge voltage of 3.75 V, remarkable rate capability of 1 A g−1, and superior cycling stability with 73% capacity retention after 1000 cycles at 500 mA g−1. This study provides a new direction for regulating micro-nano morphologies of organic cathodes for high-performance lithium-organic batteries.