This investigation elucidates three maleimide (MI)-based aromatic molecules as additives in electrolyte that is used in lithium ion batteries. The 1.1 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC):propylene carbonate (PC):diethylene carbonate (DEC) (3:2:5 in volume) containing MI-based additives can prompt the formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI): and inhibit the entering into the irreversible state during lithium intercalation and co-intercalation. The reduction potential is 0.71-0.98 V versus Li/Li+ as determined by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The morphology and element analysis of the positive and negative electrode after the 100th charge-discharge cycle are examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Moreover, the MI was used in lithium ion batteries and provided 4.9% capacity increase and 16.7% capacity retention increase when cycled at 1C/1C. The MI-based additive also ensures respectable cycle-ability of lithium ion batteries. MI is decomposed electrochemically to form a long winding narrow SEI strip on the graphite surface. This novel SEI strip not only prevents exfoliation on the graphite electrode but also stabilizes the electrolyte. The MI-based additive also ensures respectable cycle-ability of lithium ion batteries. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.