Multiscale Design of Cathode Materials for Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Ion Batteries

ABSTRACT The widespread adoption of electric vehicles is contingent upon the development of lithium‐ion batteries capable of extreme fast charging (XFC). Although graphite anodes are often regarded as the primary bottleneck because of lithium plating risk, cathode transport kinetics, interfacial stability, and structural evolution also play nonnegligible roles in determining fast‐charging performance. Building upon an electro–chemo–mechanical–thermal mechanistic framework, we systematically summarize recent advances in crystal structure engineering, interfacial kinetic optimization, and microstructural morphology regulation, together with the exploration of emerging material systems. Furthermore, the essential contributions of advanced in situ and operando characterization techniques are discussed as powerful tools for revealing dynamic structural evolution across multiple length scales. Finally, device‐level considerations, including electrode architecture and charging protocol design, are highlighted to bridge material innovation with practical fast‐charging implementation. By integrating atomic‐scale regulation with electrode and device‐level engineering, this review outlines rational principles for developing next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries capable of meeting the stringent demands of extreme fast charging.