A critical review of structural supercapacitors and outlook on future research challenges

Structural composites and electrochemical energy storage underpin electrification of transportation, but advances in electric vehicles are shackled by parasitic battery mass. The emergence structural power composites, multifunctional materials that simultaneously carry loads whilst storing electrical energy, promises dramatic improvements effective performance Here, we assess the literature on supercapacitors, not only providing a comprehensive critical review constituent (i.e., electrode, electrolyte separator) developments, also considering manufacture, characterisation, scale-up, modelling design/demonstration. We provide rigorous analysis data reported literature, reader with detailed comparison between different supercapacitor developments. conclude insights into future research adoption challenges for supercapacitors. There several significant hurdles which must be addressed to mature this technology. These include development processable electrolyte; optimisation current collection facilitate device scale-up; identification load-transmitting encapsulation solutions; standard protocols characterisation ranking supercapacitors and; predictive multiphysics models Through addressing such issues, these emerging will deliver novel lightweighting strategy can contribute managing ongoing climate crisis.