Review: Overview of Organic Cathode Materials in Lithium-Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors

Andekuba Andezai and Jude O. Iroh ()
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Andekuba Andezai: Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0072, USA
Jude O. Iroh: Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0072, USA

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-37

Abstract: Organic materials have emerged as promising candidates for cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, offering unique properties and advantages over traditional inorganic counterparts. This review investigates the use of organic compounds as cathode materials in energy storage devices, focusing on their application in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. The review covers various types of organic materials, organosulfur compounds, organic free radical compounds, organic carbonyl compounds, conducting polymers, and imine compounds. The advantages, challenges, and ongoing developments in this area are examined and the potential of organic cathode materials to achieve higher energy density, improved cycling stability, and environmental sustainability is highlighted. The comprehensive analysis of organic cathode materials provides insights into their electrochemical performance, electrode reaction mechanisms, and design strategies such as molecular structure modification, hybridization with inorganic components, porous architectures, conductive additives, electrolyte optimization, binder selection, and electrode architecture to improve their efficiency and performance. In addition, future research in the field of organic cathode materials should focus on addressing current limitations such as low energy density, cycling stability, poor discharge capability, potential safety concerns and improving their performance. To do this, it will be necessary to improve structural stability, conductivity, cycle life, and capacity fading, explore new redox-active organic compounds, and pave the way for the next generation of high-performance energy storage devices. For organic cathode materials to be commercially viable, it is also essential to develop scalable and economical manufacturing processes.

Keywords: organic cathode materials; lithium-ion batteries; supercapacitors; conducting polymers; organic–inorganic hybrids; redox-active organic polymers; energy storage; electrochemical performance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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