The synthesis of the conjugated polymers based on phenanthroline-5,6-dione and thiophene derivatives, their composites with carbon and the lithium storage performances as anode materials

•Linear polymer@AC composites are prepared, used as anode materials in lithium ion batteries.•Thiophene derivatives and 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione are used as the alternating monomers.•The polymers have a donor–acceptor structure, low redox potentials, be suitable as anode materials.•PBTPD@AC composite has a capacity of 410 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1.•PBTPD has the most extended conjugation length, give rise to the highest capacity for the PBTPD@AC composite.