Abstract: Polymeric organic electrode materials (POEMs) have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation rechargeable batteries that combine high performance, low cost, and resource sustainability. They offer numerous advantages, including exceptional structural and property tunability, significantly reduced solubility compared to their small-molecule counterparts, and broad compatibility with a wide range of cationic and anionic charge carriers, which enables their application in nearly all types of rechargeable battery systems. Among POEMs, n-type materials are typically employed as cathodes in metal-organic batteries paired with metal anodes such as Li, Na, K, Mg, Al, and Zn, while p-type materials are commonly used as cathodes in dual-ion batteries. Over the past decades, a rich library of n-type and p-type redox-active groups has been developed, exemplified by carbonyls (C=O), imines (C=N), disulfides (S–S), and amines (–NR–). Through diverse synthetic strategies, including chemical or electrochemical oxidative polymerization, catalyzed cross-coupling, and polycondensation, these electroactive units can be integrated into polymeric frameworks via multiple architectural motifs: direct coupling through C–C or C–N bonds, bridging with electrochemically inactive or active linkers, cyclization to form redox-active rings, and pendant grafting onto polymer backbones. To achieve optimal electrochemical performance and establish a clear structure-performance relationship, concerted efforts are required at every stage of the research pathway: rational molecular design coupled with cost-effective synthesis; rigorous purification and accurate structural characterization of materials; uniform dispersion with conductive carbon additives in the electrode; careful optimization of testing conditions including electrolyte composition, voltage window, and current rate; and objective evaluation of electrochemical performance and redox mechanisms. These systematic advances will guide the development of POEMs toward more scientifically grounded and practically viable battery technologies.

Key words: Polymeric organic electrode materials, Rechargeable battery, Redox mechanism, Polymer architecture, Synthetic strategy