Polythiophene (PTh) has been synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization and used as an active cathode material in lithium batteries. The lithium batteries are characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies (EIS). The lithium battery with the PTh cathode exhibits a discharge voltage of 3.7 V compared to Li+/Li and excellent electrochemical performance. PTh can provide large discharge capacities above 50 mA h g(-1) and good cycle stability at a high current density 900 mA g(-1). After 500 cycles, the discharge capacity is maintained at 50.6 mA h g(-1). PTh is a promising candidate for high-voltage power sources with excellent electrochemical performance. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.