Connecting adjacent active layers with structural pillars for high-performance Li-organic batteries

Organic electrode materials with the versatility of molecular engineering emerge as promising alternatives to construct high-performance batteries. However, a weak binding force between active layers leads to poor structural stability accompanied by a multi-electron redox, thus hindering the construction of practical devices based on organic materials. Herein, we report a structural engineering approach to improve the structural stability of organic molecules by pre-intercalating potassium ions (K⁺) as pillars into the adjacent rhodizonate (C₆O₆²⁻) layers. This enhanced binding, with increased coordination sites of K-O, effectively prevents the exfoliation of C₆O₆²⁻ layers and provides stable diffusion channels for lithium ions (Li⁺). The resulting batteries exhibit accelerated reaction kinetics and enhanced Li⁺ diffusion, leading to a high energy density of 722 ​Wh kg⁻¹ (based on active materials) and reversible capacity of 315 mAh g⁻¹ at 1.0 ​C, with a capacity retention of 225 mAh g⁻¹ after 500 cycles. In addition, by virtue of the flexible nature, a Li-K₂C₆O₆ battery has been made into flexible fibers for next-generation wearable systems, offering a new avenue for realizing practical devices based on organic single molecules. This work presents a general and efficient strategy to unlock theoretically high-performance organic electrode materials for advanced Li-organic batteries. © 2025 The Authors.