A novel organic catalyst has been synthesized that contains an anthraquinone moiety supported on a polymer backbone. This oxygen reduction catalyst was successfully incorporated in the cathode of Li-O-2 batteries. The addition of the anthraquinone-based catalyst improved the cycleability of the Li-O-2 battery when cycled in a tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether electrolyte. Computational studies coupled with a wide range of analytical techniques including differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedence spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used to interrogate the Li-O-2 battery with and without the organic catalyst present. This study suggests that organic catalysts may serve as light and inexpensive alternatives to the precious metals frequently used in Li-O-2 batteries. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.