An Insensitive Energetic Material as a High-Performance Organic Cathode Toward Dual-Mode Batteries

Bridging long-duration electrochemical power delivery with on-demand, ultrafast explosive output within a single material could enable next-generation mission-critical power systems. Here, we report an insensitive yet energetic small molecule, 4,4′,6,6′-tetramino(azo)-1,3,5-triazine (TAAT) as a high-performance organic cathode for batteries with dual-mode energy release. Guided by a modular “function-by-design” strategy, TAAT concurrently exhibits low solubility, reversible Li⁺ storage, triggerable explosive output, and high insensitivity. In lithium batteries, TAAT delivers 215 mAh g⁻¹ with a ≈ 3.0 V discharge plateau and sustains stable cycling over 700 cycles; TAAT||Li pouch cells power a mini quadcopter. Beyond electrochemistry, TAAT exhibits a detonation velocity of 7505 m s⁻¹ and detonation pressure of 18.4 GPa, while remaining thermally and mechanically insensitive (T_d ≈ 327 °C; impact >40 J; friction >360 N). The energetic response can be initiated by hot wire, laser, or detonator stimuli. These results establish TAAT as a proof-of-concept dual-mode energy-release material, advancing mission-tailored battery technologies.