Carbon-based nano-filler in polymeric composites for supercapacitor electrode materials: a review | JoVE Visualize

Carbon-based nano-filler in polymeric composites for supercapacitor electrode materials: a review

Moses Ebiowei Yibowei¹, Joseph Gbolahan Adekoya², Adeolu Adesoji Adediran³

¹Department of Polymer and Textile Technology, Yaba College of Technology, PMB 2011,Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International|April 2, 2021

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This review explores polymer composites for supercapacitors (SCs), highlighting their lightweight advantages for electrodes, separators, and electrolytes. It aims to improve SC performance by addressing limitations like low energy density and high costs.

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Electrochemistry
Energy Storage

Background:

Supercapacitors (SCs) are crucial energy storage devices whose performance heavily relies on their core components: electrodes, separators, and electrolytes.
Polymer composites offer unique advantages, including low weight and flexibility, making them promising materials for advanced SC applications.
Existing energy storage solutions face limitations that can potentially be overcome by leveraging the properties of polymer composites in SC design.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the comparative advantages of using polymer composites in the fabrication of critical supercapacitor components.
To classify supercapacitors and analyze the suitability of polymer composites for each identified class.
To bridge the gap in energy storage device performance by utilizing the inherent properties of lightweight polymer materials.

Main Methods:

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the application and classification of supercapacitors.
The review focused on the specific properties of polymer composites relevant to supercapacitor performance.
Potential challenges and future research directions for polymer composite-based supercapacitors were identified.

Main Results:

Polymer composites present a significant advantage in forming electrodes, separators, and electrolytes for supercapacitors.
The lightweight and flexibility of polymer materials contribute to the unique functionality and potential performance enhancement of supercapacitors.
The study identified key areas where polymer composites can address limitations in current energy storage technologies.

Conclusions:

Polymer composites are highly suitable for developing next-generation supercapacitors, offering enhanced performance and functionality.
Further research into polymer composites can help overcome current supercapacitor limitations such as low cell voltage and energy density.
This review provides a foundation for researchers aiming to reduce production costs and improve the overall efficiency of supercapacitors.