Recent Advancements in Electrochemical Deposition of Metal-Based Electrode Materials for Electrochemical Supercapacitors

Rational Construction of Bi2CuO12Se4 and VGCFs@Fe2O3 Composite Electrodes for High-Performance Semi-Solid-State Asymmetric Supercapacitors

Recently, supercapacitors (SCs) are extensively explored as effective energy storage devices. Specifically, asymmetric SCs are being developed to enhance energy density using suitable materials with favorable nanostructures. This study describes the construction of a bismuth copper selenite (BCS-200) working electrode with an ultrathin nanosheet (UTNS) architecture. This morphology is achieved using a low-cost electrodeposition (ED) method, followed by annealing. The impact of ED time on the development of morphology is studied by synthesizing comparative electrodes simultaneously. The optimized BCS-200 electrode prepared with a deposition time of 200 s shows higher specific capacity/capacitance (Cs/Csc) values of 330.9 mAh g-1/2206.6 F g-1 than the other synthesized electrodes (BCS-100, BCS-150, BCS-250, and BCS-300). Besides, a vapor-grown carbon fiber (VGCF)-added Fe2O3 composite coated on nickel foam (NF) is developed as a negative electrode. The VGCFs@Fe2O3/NF electrode exhibits the (Cs/Csc) values of 183.5 mAh g-1/734.4 F g-1, which is associated with ultra-high cycling stability. In addition, the fabricated BCS-200 and VGCFs@Fe2O3/NF electrodes are combined to construct a wearable semi-solid-state asymmetric SC (SSASC) with an energy density (Ed) of 20.5 Wh kg-1 and a cycling stability of 91.7% over 40000 charge/discharge cycles. Furthermore, the real-time applicability of the SSASC is verified by powering it in practical applications.

Advanced High-Energy All-Solid-State Hybrid Supercapacitor with Nickel-Cobalt-Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoflowers Supported on Jute Stick-Derived Activated Carbon Nanosheets

Developing efficient, lightweight, and durable all-solid-state supercapacitors is crucial for future energy storage systems. The study focuses on optimizing electrode materials to achieve high capacitance and stability. This study introduces a novel two-step pyrolysis process to synthesize activated carbon nanosheets from jute sticks (JAC), resulting in an optimized JAC-2 material with a high yield (≈24%) and specific surface area (≈2600 m2 g-1). Furthermore, an innovative in situ synthesis approach is employed to synthesize hybrid nanocomposites (NiCoLDH-1@JAC-2) by integrating JAC nanosheets with nickel-cobalt-layered double hydroxide nanoflowers (NiCoLDH). These nanocomposites serve as positive electrode materials and JAC-2 as the negative electrode material in all-solid-state asymmetric hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs), exhibiting remarkable performance metrics. The HSCs achieve a specific capacitance of 750 F g-1, a specific capacity of 209 mAh g-1 (at 0.5 A g-1), and an energy density of 100 Wh kg-1 (at 250 W kg-1) using PVA/KOH solid electrolyte, while maintaining outstanding cyclic stability. Importantly, a density functional theory framework is utilized to validate the experimental findings, underscoring the potential of this novel approach for enhancing HSC performance and enabling the large-scale production of transition metal-based layered double hydroxides.

Engineering functionalization and properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with controllable synthesis for energy and display applications

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), a new type of 0D nanomaterial, are composed of a graphene lattice with sp2 bonding carbon core and characterized by their abundant edges and wide surface area. This unique structure imparts excellent electrical properties and exceptional physicochemical adsorption capabilities to GQDs. Additionally, the reduction in dimensionality of graphene leads to an open band gap in GQDs, resulting in their unique optical properties. The functional groups and dopants in GQDs are key factors that allow the modulation of these characteristics. So, controlling the functionalization level of GQDs is crucial for understanding their characteristics and further application. This review provides an overview of the properties and structure of GQDs and summarizes recent developments in research that focus on their controllable synthesis, involving functional groups and doping. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive and focused explanation of how GQDs have been advantageously applied in recent years, particularly in the fields of energy storage devices and displays.

3D Carbon-Based Conductive Network Printed for Glucose Sensors on Curved and Flexible Substrates

The rising prevalence of diabetes has led to an increased focus on real-time glucose monitoring. Wearable glucose sensor patches allow noninvasive, real-time monitoring, reducing patient discomfort compared to invasive sensors. However, most existing glucose sensor patches rely on complex and contaminating metal vapor deposition technologies, which pose limitations in practical production. In this study, we propose a novel approach for preparing graphite/multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using a high-viscosity ink, which can be easily obtained through simple mechanical stirring. To create intricate patterns and enable printing on curved substrates, we employed a 3D printer equipped with an infrared laser ranging system. The ink served as a working electrode, and we developed a three-electrode system patch with a concentric circle structure. Subsequently, the working electrode underwent enzymatic modification with glucose dehydrogenase with flavin adenine dinucleotide (GDH-FAD) using a polymer embedding method. The resulting wearable glucose sensor exhibited a sensitivity of 2.42 μA mM-1 and a linear detection range of 1-12 mM. In addition, the glucose sensor has excellent anti-interference capability and demonstrates good repeatability in simulated real human wear scenarios, which meets the requirements for accurate human detection. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of human health monitoring technologies.

A Mechanistic Overview of the Current Status and Future Challenges of Aluminum Anode and Electrolyte in Aluminum-Air Batteries

Aluminum-air batteries (AABs) are regarded as attractive candidates for usage as an electric vehicle power source due to their high theoretical energy density (8100 Wh kg-1 ), which is considerably higher than that of lithium-ion batteries. However, AABs have several issues with commercial applications. In this review, we outline the difficulties and most recent developments in AABs technology, including electrolytes and aluminum anodes, as well as their mechanistic understanding. First, the impact of the Al anode and alloying on battery performance is discussed. Then we focus on the impact of electrolytes on battery performances. The possibility of enhancing electrochemical performances by adding inhibitors to electrolytes is also investigated. Additionally, the use of aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes in AABs is also discussed. Finally, the challenges and potential future research areas for the advancement of AABs are suggested.

Recent Advances of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides-Based Materials for Energy Storage Devices, in View of Monovalent to Divalent Ions

The fast growth of electrochemical energy storage (EES) systems necessitates using innovative, high-performance electrode materials. Among the various EES devices, rechargeable batteries (RBs) with potential features like high energy density and extensive lifetime are well suited to meet rapidly increasing energy demands. Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), typical two dimensional (2D) nanomaterial, are considered auspicious materials for RBs because of their layered structures and large specific surface areas (SSA) that benefit quick ion transportation. This review summarizes and highlights recent advances in TMDs with improved performance for various RBs. Through novel engineering and functionalization used for high-performance RBs, we briefly discuss the properties, characterizations, and electrochemistry phenomena of TMDs. We summarised that engineering with multiple techniques, like nanocomposites used for TMDs receives special attention. In conclusion, the recent issues and promising upcoming research openings for developing TMDs-based electrodes for RBs are discussed.

A Mechanistic Overview of the Current Status and Future Challenges in Air Cathode for Aluminum Air Batteries

Aluminum air batteries (AABs) are a desirable option for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs) due to their high theoretical energy density (8100 Wh K-1 ), low cost, and high safety compared to state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, numerous unresolved technological and scientific issues are preventing AABs from expanding further. One of the key issues is the catalytic reaction kinetics of the air cathode as the fuel (oxygen) for AAB is reduced there. Additionally, the performance and price of an AAB are directly influenced by an air electrode integrated with an oxygen electrocatalyst, which is thought to be the most crucial element. In this study, we covered the oxygen chemistry of the air cathode as well as a brief discussion of the mechanistic insights of active catalysts and how they catalyze and enhance oxygen chemistry reactions. There is also extensive discussion of research into electrocatalytic materials that outperform Pt/C such as nonprecious metal catalysts, metal oxide, perovskites, metal-organic framework, carbonaceous materials, and their composites. Finally, we provide an overview of the present state, and possible future direction for air cathodes in AABs.

Novel Design of Perovskite-Structured Neodymium Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticle-Embedded Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Efficient Active Materials of Energy Storage Devices

In recent years, electrochemical supercapacitors are expected to represent the future of energy storage device technology. Specifically, the excellent electrochemical performance with long cycle life, high energy, and power density is considered an essential criterion for commercial applications. Herein, we constructed a novel composite of neodymium cobalt oxide-encapsulated graphene oxide nanocomposite (NCO/GO) via a simple and robust method for a symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) device. The prepared samples were securitized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. The as-synthesized NCO/GO is deposited on nickel foam (NF) and used as a supercapacitor electrode (NCO/GO/NF), which exhibits superior specific capacitance (Cs) of 1080.92 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 and fantastic cycling life with ∼89.42% retention after 10,000 cycles at 10 A g-1 in 1.0 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. A tremendous electrochemical performance of the hybrid nanocomposite electrode is obtained from the good redox activity and synergistic effects of the NCO spherical-like nanoparticles combined with the GO nanosheets. Furthermore, the assembled SSC device delivers significantly enhanced power density (932.93 Wh kg-1) and energy density (210.42 mWh kg-1). Moreover, the SSCs exhibit excellent cycling stability with ∼82.19% capacity retaining over 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. Remarkably, a 1.8 V red light-emitting diode (LED) can be lit up for more than 10 min by series connection SSCs. Thus, the obtained results indicated that the NCO/GO/NF//NCO/GO/NF symmetric device has a robust and cost-effective electrode material for high-performance supercapacitor systems.

Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanorods from Zinc Borate Precursor and Characterization of Supercapacitor Properties

The synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) was accomplished from zinc borate (Zn3B2O6) minerals to be used as electrodes in supercapacitor applications. The concentrations of obtained zinc (Zn) metal after treatment with hydrochloric acid (HCl) were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Direct synthesis of ZnO on a nickel (Ni) foam surface was conducted by employing the hydrothermal technique using a solution with the highest Zn content. The results showed the successful synthesis of ZnO nanorods on the surface of Ni foam with an average wall size of approximately 358 nm. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) measurements revealed that the synthesized electrode exhibited battery-type charge storage characteristics, reaching a maximum specific capacitance of approximately 867 mF·cm-² at a current density of 2 mA·cm-². Additionally, the energy and power densities of the electrode at a current density of 2 mA·cm-² were calculated as 19.3 mWh·cm-² and 200 mW·cm-², respectively. These results exhibited promising performance of the single-component electrode, outperforming the existing counterparts reported in the literature.

Tin Oxide/Vertically Aligned Graphene Hybrid Electrodes Prepared by Sonication-Assisted Sequential Chemical Bath Deposition for High-Performance Supercapacitors

Hybrid electrodes comprising metal oxides and vertically aligned graphene (VAG) are promising for high-performance supercapacitor applications because they enhance the synergistic effect owing to the large contact area between the two constituent materials. However, it is difficult to form metal oxides (MOs) up to the inner surface of a VAG electrode with a narrow inlet using conventional synthesis methods. Herein, we report a facile approach to fabricate SnO₂ nanoparticle-decorated VAG electrodes (SnO₂@VAG) with excellent areal capacitance and cyclic stability using sonication-assisted sequential chemical bath deposition (S-SCBD). The sonication treatment during the MO decoration process induced a cavitation effect at the narrow inlet of the VAG electrode, allowing the precursor solution to reach the inside of the VAG surface. Furthermore, the sonication treatment promoted MO nucleation on the entire VAG surface. Thus, the SnO₂ nanoparticles uniformly covered the entire electrode surface after the S-SCBD process. SnO₂@VAG exhibited an outstanding areal capacitance (4.40 F cm^-2) up to 58% higher than that of VAG electrodes. The symmetric supercapacitor with SnO₂@VAG electrodes showed an excellent areal capacitance (2.13 F cm^-2) and a cyclic stability of 90% after 2000 cycles. These results suggest a new avenue for sonication-assisted fabrication of hybrid electrodes in the field of energy storage.

Intrinsically Conducting Polymer Composites as Active Masses in Supercapacitors

Intrinsically conducting polymers ICPs can be combined with further electrochemically active materials into composites for use as active masses in supercapacitor electrodes. Typical examples are inspected with particular attention to the various roles played by the constituents of the composites and to conceivable synergistic effects. Stability of composite electrode materials, as an essential property for practical application, is addressed, taking into account the observed causes and effects of materials degradation.

Nanostructured Titanium Nitride and Its Composites as High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrode Material

Electrochemical supercapacitors as an energy storage device have become trademark in current electronic, medical and industrial applications, as they are sources of impressive power output. Supercapacitors supply fast power output, suitable to cover the energy demand of future electronic devices. Electrode material design is a subject of intense research in the area of energy development and advancement, due to its essential role in the electrochemical process of charge storage and the cost of capacitors. The nano-dimensions allow for more electroactive sites, different pore size distributions, and a large specific surface area, making nanostructured electrode materials more promising. Electrode materials based on metal oxides, metal nitrides, and metal carbides are considered ideal for highly efficient electrochemical supercapacitors. Recently, much effort has been devoted to metal nitride-based electrodes and their diverse compositions as they possess higher electrical conductivity and better corrosion resistance, electrochemical stability, and chemical reactivity. Among these, titanium nitride (TiN), possesses high electrochemical stability, outstanding electrical conductivity, and a unique electronic structure. Nanocomposites based on titanium nitrides are known to deliver higher electrochemical performance than pristine nanostructured TiNs due to potential synergetic effects from both the materials. In this paper, recent advancements made in the field of nanostructural TiN electrode materials for SCs are reviewed along with their challenges and future opportunities. Additionally, some of the major techniques involved in the synthesis process are discussed, along with some basic concepts.

Obtaining interactions among science, technology, and research policy for developing an innovation strategy: A case study of supercapacitors

Comprehensive observations of science, technology, and research policy transactions are important for developing an innovation strategy. We propose a new method that combines the academic landscape and matrix analysis to understand the relationships among activities of three aspects of the technological landscape: science, technology, and research policy. First, we divided academic research into 28 knowledge domains by clustering a citation network of scientific papers. Next, we developed a new matrix classifying them into three groups: “mature technology,” “intermediate technology,” and “emerging technology.” The results showed that research domains in “emerging technology” showed a high rate of patent increase, indicating that they were commercializing rapidly. Finally, we identified the group that each country focused on, and this result reflected the countries' research policies. China and Singapore showed high rates, whereas Japan, France, and Germany had low values. This result reflects countries’ research policies and implies that specialty research areas differed by country. As above, our research result implies that academia, industry, and government have paid attention to knowledge domains in “emerging technology” and these are important for creating innovation. A supercapacitor, also known as an electric double layer capacitor or ultracapacitor, was selected as an example in our method. This research could help academic researchers, industrial companies, and policymakers in developing innovation strategies.