Disclosed herein are cathode formulations comprising a lithium ion-based electroactive material, and a carbon black, in which the carbon black is selected from one of: (i) a carbon black having an OAN ranging from 100 to 250 mL/100 g and a crystallite size (La) of at least 30 A, as determined by Raman spectroscopy; (ii) a carbon black having an OAN ranging from 100 to 300 mL/100 g and a surface energy of less than or equal to 10 mJ/m2; and (iii) a carbon black having an OAN ranging from 100 to 300 mL/100 g and a crystallite size (La) of at least 35 A, as determined by Raman spectroscopy. Also disclosed are cathodes comprising the cathode formulations, electrochemical cells comprising the cathodes, and methods of making the cathode formulations and cathodes.