Organic electrode materials and carbon/small-sulfur composites for affordable, lightweight and sustainable batteries

Redox-active organic/polymeric materials and carbon/small-sulfur composites are promising electrode materials for developing affordable, lightweight, and sustainable batteries because of their low cost, abundance, low carbon footprint, and flexible structural tunability. This feature article summarized the key aspects of the research related to organic batteries and Li-S batteries (LSBs) based on organic/polymeric/sulfur materials for next-generation sustainable energy storage. An in-depth discussion for organic electrode materials in alkali-ion, multivalent metal, all-solid-state, and redox flow batteries is provided. State-of-the-art LSBs under high mass loading and lean electrolyte conditions for practical applications is also covered. The challenges, reaction mechanisms, strategies, approaches, and developments of organic batteries and LSBs are discussed to offer guidance for rational structure design and performance optimization. This feature article will contribute to the development and commercialization of affordable, lightweight, and sustainable batteries.