High-Performance Super-capacitors: Preparation and Application

A special issue of Batteries (ISSN 2313-0105). This special issue belongs to the section "Supercapacitors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2025 | Viewed by 12017

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
Interests: research and development of new nanomaterials using advanced microscope technology; new energy materials; new nanomaterials and devices

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on high-performance supercapacitors is focused on new supercapacitor technologies. Climate change is now a global concern, and new energy materials and devices are being extensively studied to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help solve climate change. Supercapacitor materials and devices are very promising due to their quick charge/discharge capabilities and long cycling lifetimes. What is the problem with the technology, and how can we broaden its applications?

The success of the supercapacitor technology largely depends on the improvement of the critical properties, such as the energy storage capabilities of the supercapacitor materials and devices.

In order to improve supercapacitor technology, research has been conducted to improve the energy storage capabilities of electrodes, which determine the specific capacitance of the material. Additionally, people are also working to enhance these supercapacitor devices  via modeling and system development studies. What is the current status of the field, and what can we expect in the future?

This Special Issue discusses the current status and future trend of supercapacitor material and device development, which are important to enhance their performances.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Novel supercapacitor materials, positive electrode, negative electrode, and electrolytes;
  • Electrode designs;
  • Supercapacitor device designs;
  • Electrochemical test methods;
  • Modeling;
  • Supercapacitor system studies.

Prof. Dr. Xin Chen
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • supercapacitor
  • flexible supercapacitor
  • hybrid supercapacitor
  • oxide
  • hydroxide
  • chalcogenide
  • activated carbon
  • carbon nanotube
  • graphene
  • MXene
  • quantum dot
  • 3D electrode
  • composite electrode
  • interface
  • modeling
  • system

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 7343 KiB  
Article
Electrochemical Performance of Pre-Modified Birch Biochar Monolith Supercapacitors by Ferric Chloride and Ferric Citrate
by Ziyue Song, Tianjie Feng, Donald W. Kirk and Charles Q. Jia
Batteries 2025, 11(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11020047 - 25 Jan 2025
Viewed by 803
Abstract
This study investigated the electrochemical properties of supercapacitors by pre-modifying thick birch biochar monoliths with FeCl3 or C6H5FeO7 solutions prior to wood pyrolysis. The pre-modification introduced iron species to the surface, promoting the specific surface area, charge-stored [...] Read more.
This study investigated the electrochemical properties of supercapacitors by pre-modifying thick birch biochar monoliths with FeCl3 or C6H5FeO7 solutions prior to wood pyrolysis. The pre-modification introduced iron species to the surface, promoting the specific surface area, charge-stored species, and surface functionalities, which enhanced the gravimetric capacitance. X-ray diffraction confirmed the successful loading of Fe3O4 and Fe. SEM implied the wider distribution of iron-rich particulates and porous carbon via self-pyrolysis on the biochar surface modified with 1.0 M C6H5FeO7. Contact angle measurements demonstrated the enhanced wettability of the biochar surfaces following pre-modification, with the C6H5FeO7-modified samples exhibiting superior wettability compared to the other groups. The gravimetric capacitance of the supercapacitor was dramatically promoted and reached 210 F/g and 219 F/g, respectively, when modified with 1.0M C6H5FeO7 and 1.0 M FeCl3 at a 5 mA/g current density. Compared to the birch biochar modified with 1.0 M FeCl3, the 1.0 M C6H5FeO7 had a higher current response peak and capacitive behavior in the CV analysis, demonstrated better ion diffusion capacity, and had lower charge-transfer resistance in the EIS results. But, a slight irreversible process on the electrode of the 1.0 M C6H5FeO7 group led to a lower level of the supercapacitor capacitance retention. The results using ferric solution pre-impregnation show how iron species doping can improve capacitance behavior, providing a feasible scheme for the modification of thick biochar monolith. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Super-capacitors: Preparation and Application)
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14 pages, 6522 KiB  
Article
Influence of Acetonitrile on the Electrochemical Behavior of Ionic Liquid-Based Supercapacitors
by Boryana Karamanova, Luybomir Soserov, Elefteria Lefterova, Toma Stankulov and Antonia Stoyanova
Batteries 2024, 10(8), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10080266 - 26 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2053
Abstract
The creation of supercapacitors with superior energy density and power capabilities is critical for advanced energy storage solutions. Ionic liquid electrolytes offer a promising alternative in this respect. However, improving their cycle stability and efficiency is a complex task requiring extensive research and [...] Read more.
The creation of supercapacitors with superior energy density and power capabilities is critical for advanced energy storage solutions. Ionic liquid electrolytes offer a promising alternative in this respect. However, improving their cycle stability and efficiency is a complex task requiring extensive research and significant effort. The high viscosity of ionic liquids (ILs) limits their lifetime, but this can be mitigated by increasing the temperature or adding solvents. In this research, the electrochemical performance of symmetric activated carbon supercapacitors with 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIMBF4) and different ratios of acetonitrile (ACN) as electrolytes were investigated. Long-term galvanostatic charge/discharge tests, impedance studies, and cyclic voltammetry were performed at temperatures between 24 to 60 °C. The addition of ACN to the ionic liquid increased electrochemical stability and reduced internal resistance, with the best performance observed at a 1:2 volume ratio of EMIMBF4 to ACN. This supercapacitor exhibited 87% cyclic stability after 5000 charge/discharge cycles in the voltage range of 0.05–2.8 V and a current rate of 1 Ag−1. It also achieved an energy density of 23 Whkg−1 and a power density of 748 Wkg−1. The supercapacitors were stable at elevated temperatures up to 60 °C, showing no degradation after operation under various thermal conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Super-capacitors: Preparation and Application)
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14 pages, 6133 KiB  
Article
MnO2/AgNPs Composite as Flexible Electrode Material for Solid-State Hybrid Supercapacitor
by Borislava Mladenova, Mariela Dimitrova and Antonia Stoyanova
Batteries 2024, 10(4), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10040122 - 5 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2139
Abstract
A MnO2/AgNP nanocomposite was synthesized using a sonochemical method and investigated as an electrode material in a solid-state hybrid supercapacitor. Aquivion’s sodium and lithium electrolyte membrane serves as an electrolyte and separator. For comparison, MnO2 was used as the active [...] Read more.
A MnO2/AgNP nanocomposite was synthesized using a sonochemical method and investigated as an electrode material in a solid-state hybrid supercapacitor. Aquivion’s sodium and lithium electrolyte membrane serves as an electrolyte and separator. For comparison, MnO2 was used as the active material. The developed supercapacitor containing a carbon xerogel as a negative electrode, the MnO2/AgNP composite as a positive electrode and a Na+-exchange membrane demonstrated the highest performance characteristics. These results indicate that the incorporation of silver nanoparticles into the MnO2 structure is a prospect for obtaining an active composite electrode material for solid-state supercapacitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Super-capacitors: Preparation and Application)
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17 pages, 7777 KiB  
Article
Two-Step Synthesis of ZnS-NiS2 Composite with Rough Nanosphere Morphology for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
by Meng Jiang, Muhammad Abdullah, Xin Chen, Yi E, Liyi Tan, Wei Yan, Yang Liu and Wenrui Jiang
Batteries 2024, 10(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10010016 - 31 Dec 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2764
Abstract
Transition metal sulfides have excellent electrochemical performance and show great potential for improving the energy density of asymmetric supercapacitors. This study demonstrates a two-step synthesis technique and highlights the enhanced energy storage efficiency of ZnS-NiS2 composite materials for asymmetric supercapacitors. The composite [...] Read more.
Transition metal sulfides have excellent electrochemical performance and show great potential for improving the energy density of asymmetric supercapacitors. This study demonstrates a two-step synthesis technique and highlights the enhanced energy storage efficiency of ZnS-NiS2 composite materials for asymmetric supercapacitors. The composite materials of ZnS nanosheets and NiS2 nanocrystals are characterized by a rough surface and spherical shape. The sample with the optimal ratio (ZnS-NiS2-1:7) exhibits a maximum specific capacitance of 1467.9 F g−1 (550.5 C g−1) at 1 A g−1. The specific capacitance of the ZnS-NiS2-1:7 sample is 26.1% higher compared to the pure NiS2 sample. Furthermore, the assembled ZnS-NiS2-1:7//AC device shows a high specific capacitance of 127.8 F g−1 (217.3 C g−1) at 1 A g−1 and an energy density of 51.3 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 820.8 W kg−1. The ZnS-NiS2-1:7 sample has exceptional energy storage capability on its own, but it can also be composited with graphene to further increase the specific capacitance (1681.0 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), suggesting promising prospects for the ZnS-NiS2-based composite material in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Super-capacitors: Preparation and Application)
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12 pages, 2355 KiB  
Article
Secondary High-Temperature Treatment of Porous Carbons for High-Performance Supercapacitors
by Weihao Chi, Guanwen Wang, Zhipeng Qiu, Qiqi Li, Zheng Xu, Zhiyuan Li, Bin Qi, Ke Cao, Chunlei Chi, Tong Wei and Zhuangjun Fan
Batteries 2024, 10(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10010005 - 25 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2149
Abstract
Supercapacitors are extensively used in urban rail transit, electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, electronic products, and the military industry due to its long cycle life and high power density. Porous carbon materials are regarded as promising anode materials for supercapacitors due to their [...] Read more.
Supercapacitors are extensively used in urban rail transit, electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, electronic products, and the military industry due to its long cycle life and high power density. Porous carbon materials are regarded as promising anode materials for supercapacitors due to their high specific surface areas and well-developed pore structures. However, the over-developed pore structure often results in poor conductivity and reduced cycle stability due to the destruction of a carbon skeleton. Herein, we introduce an advanced strategy for preparing porous carbon with high specific surface areas (3333 m2 g−1), high electrical conductivity (68.6 S m−1), and fast ion transport channels through secondary high-temperature carbonization treatment. As a result, the fabricated porous carbon anode delivers a high specific capacitance (199.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and outstanding rate performance (136.3 F g−1 at 20 A g−1) in organic electrolyte. Furthermore, the assembled symmetrical supercapacitor achieves an energy density of 43.2 Wh kg−1 at 625.0 W kg−1, highlighting the potential of a secondary high-temperature carbonization strategy in practical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Super-capacitors: Preparation and Application)
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Review

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32 pages, 8473 KiB  
Review
Application of Defect Engineering via ALD in Supercapacitors
by Tiange Gao, Xiaoyang Xiao, Zhenliang Dong, Xilong Lu, Liwen Mao, Jinzheng Wang, Yiming Liu, Qingmin Hu and Jiaqiang Xu
Batteries 2024, 10(12), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10120438 - 10 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1220
Abstract
Supercapacitors are a kind of energy storage device that lie between traditional capacitors and batteries, characterized by high power density, long cycle life, and rapid charging and discharging capabilities. The energy storage mechanism of supercapacitors mainly includes electrical double-layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance. In [...] Read more.
Supercapacitors are a kind of energy storage device that lie between traditional capacitors and batteries, characterized by high power density, long cycle life, and rapid charging and discharging capabilities. The energy storage mechanism of supercapacitors mainly includes electrical double-layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance. In addition to constructing multi-level pore structures to increase the specific surface area of electrode materials, defect engineering is essential for enhancing electrochemical active sites and achieving additional extrinsic pseudocapacitance. Therefore, developing a simple and efficient method for defect engineering is essential. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology enables precise control over thin film thickness at the atomic level through layer-by-layer deposition. This capability allows the intentional introduction of defects, such as vacancies, heteroatom doping, or misalignment, at specific sites within the material. The ALD process can regulate the defects in materials without altering the overall structure, thereby optimizing both the electrochemical and physical properties of the materials. Its self-limiting surface reaction mechanism also ensures that defects and doping sites are introduced uniformly across the material surface. This uniform defect distribution is particularly profitable for high surface area electrodes in supercapacitor applications, as it promotes consistent performance across the entire electrode. This review systematically summarizes the latest advancements in defect engineering via ALD technology in supercapacitors, including the enhancement of conductivity and the increase of active sites in supercapacitor electrode materials through ALD, thereby improving specific capacitance and energy density of the supercapacitor device. Furthermore, we discuss the underlying mechanisms, advantages, and future directions for ALD in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Performance Super-capacitors: Preparation and Application)
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