Supercapacitor: History, Types, Materials, Processes, Evaluations and Applications

Energy storage enhancements are essential if the World is to fulfil its envisaged carbon reduction targets. Energy derived from solar and wind sources requires an effective storage to guarantee supply consistency due the characteristic changeability of its sources. Supercapacitors (SCs) also known as electrochemical capacitors have been identified as key part of solving the problem. Besides, SCs could provide solutions to charging electric vehicles much faster than is possible using lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, further research into high performance supercapacitors development is urgently required to capacitate them for effective large electricity storage. In general, the energy utilization will subsequently depend on consumers/industries that are generating, storing and utilizing energy more effectively, with SCs being identified as one of the emerging technologies for intermittent energy storage, harvesting as well as high-power delivery. In this study, we have highlighted the historical information concerning the evolution of supercapacitor technology and its application as an energy storage device. Also, a detailed account of the device’s electrode materials/electrolytes, processes, designs and various applications has been discussed.