Molecular Engineering of Organic Electrode Materials for Beyond Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), known for their high energy density and long cycle life, have become indispensable in everyday applications. Unfortunately, the increasing demand for LIBs raises concerns about the sustainability of lithium resources. Non‐lithium metal‐ion batteries have therefore garnered significant attention due to their abundant resources and potential cost advantages. Yet, their widespread adoption is hindered by the limited availability of high‐performance cathode materials. Organic electrode materials (OEMs) have emerged as promising candidates, owing to their structural diversity and tunability, allowing them to accommodate large cations. Despite their potential, most OEMs suffer from unsatisfactory cyclability, poor rate performance, and low energy density. This review summarizes recent advancements in improving the electrochemical performance of OEMs, focusing on molecular engineering approaches to mitigate their dissolution, and to enhance their conductivity and energy density. The charge storage mechanism and current challenges associated with OEMs are first discussed. Various molecular engineering strategies designed to address these challenges are then explored, including linkage engineering to improve cycle stability and electronic engineering to enhance rate performance and energy density. Finally, insights are provided about the future development of OEMs in next‐generation battery technologies beyond LIBs.