An advanced LiCrTiO4@C cathode towards hybrid Mg-Li ion batteries with ultrastable cycling stability

•LiCrTiO4 nanoparticles with carbon layer (LCTOC) are successfully prepared by sol–gel method.•Reversible capacity of 114.3 mAh/g is achieved at 1 A/g over 2500 cycles, indicating its ultrastable cycling stability.•Morphology and structure of LCTOC are maintained perfectly during long-term cycling.•Such a superior capacity of LCTOC is attributed to the improved conductivity and ion-diffusion rate.