The demand for large-scale energy storage is increasing due to the decreasing non-renewable resources and deteriorating environmental pollution. Developing rechargeable batteries with high energy density and long cycle performance is an ideal choice to meet the demand of energy storage system. The development of excellent electrode particles is of great significance in the commercialization of next-generation batteries. The ideal electrode particles should balance raw material reserves, electrochemical performance, price and environmental protection. Among them, the development of electrode particulate materials with excellent electrochemical properties is the top priority at present. In this review, the typical researches of electrode materials are summarized in terms of crystal structure, morphology, pore structure, surface and interface regulation. Firstly, the structural characteristics and improvement methods of transition metal oxides, polyanionic compounds, Prussian blue and their analogues are introduced. Then, the different effects of particulate morphology, pore, surface and interface structure on the performance of electrode materials are discussed. For designing high-performance electrode materials, preparation route should be set according to the particle properties of the materials and the synergistic effect of various optimization methods should be adopted. At the same time, in addition to the electrode materials, other components of the rechargeable batteries, such as current collector, separator and electrolytes, should be optimized to improve the overall performance of the batteries. This review would provide important guiding principle for designing high-performance electrode particulate materials.