• Catalytic polycondensation at low temperatures offers a controlled and gentle route to synthesize high-quality mesophase pitch, overcoming limitations of high-temperature free radical reactions.
• The method enhances mesophase yield and facilitates the introduction of naphthenic structures, crucial for producing highly spinnable pitch for carbon fibers.
• The review systematically covers raw material pretreatment, reaction mechanisms, and recent advances in various catalytic systems, including Lewis and Brønsted acids.
• A catalyst-promoter system is proposed as a strategic approach to manufacture high-quality mesophase pitch, providing a theoretical foundation for future molecular design.