Microstructure modulation strategies from pitch molecules to derived carbon materials for electrochemical energy storage

• Pitch-derived carbon materials are promising for alkali metal-ion batteries and supercapacitors due to their high carbon content and low cost. • Direct pyrolysis of pitch often yields highly oriented microstructures with small interlayer spacing, leading to poor electrochemical performance. • Microstructural engineering strategies, such as template methods and heteroatom doping, can significantly enhance the electrochemical properties of pitch-derived carbons. • Future research should focus on scalable production, waste pitch recycling, and further optimization of carbon microstructures for specific energy storage applications.