Optimizing Conductive Networks in Metal Porphyrin Cathodes: A Path to High‐Performance Alkali Metal‐Ion Batteries

Organic electrode materials (OEM)s have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation alkali metal-ion batteries due to their structural tunability, sustainability, and potential for high-rate capabilities. In this work, the role of conductive additives in tuning the electrochemical performance of a typical metal porphyrin-based organic cathode for lithium and sodium-ion batteries was investigated. By varying the type and content of conductive additives including graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), Ketjen black (KB), activated carbon (AC), and Super C (SC), the critical influence of conductive network architecture on capacity, rate capability and cycling stability was identified. Among them, GNP with planar morphology, enables efficient electronic pathways and delivers the highest capacities at low-to-moderate current densities, achieving up to 204 mAh g$^{−1}$ in Li and 229 mAh g$^{−1}$ in Na-ion cells at 100 mA g$^{−1}$. These findings have been elucidated by a combination of theoretical calculations, electrochemical impedance and extended cycling data. It is demonstrated that an optimal balance of conductive additive content and morphology is essential for long-term stability and high-rate performance. ... mehrThis study underscores the role of conductive additive and content in governing the charge transport kinetics of organic electrodes and provides valuable insights for designing high-performance electrode architectures in future sustainable energy storage systems.