A review of fiber-based supercapacitors and sensors for energy-autonomous systems

Advancements in wearable technologies in the past few years have influenced the fabrication of fiber-based supercapacitors and sensors for next-generation energy-autonomous systems. There has been an increase in research on conductive electrodes on fibers for sensing ability and storing of energy based on their ease of fabrication, stretch and flexible abilities. These replace the conventional rigid devices that limit the flow of air and provide discomfort when used in clothing. Fiber-based sensors are generally fabricated to detect environmental and physiological changes in real-time. They are mostly fabricated for use as temperature, photo, chemical, and tactile sensors using different applications, and materials. A variety of wearable physical, chemical, biological, and optical sensors that have been described as self-powered or energy-autonomous in recent years rely on these technologies, as well as energy generators, electrochemical energy storage (EES) systems, wireless power technologies, self-powered sensors, and hybrid energy systems that combine energy generators and electrochemical energy storage. This paper highlights a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in fiber-based and sensors for supercapacitors energy-autonomous systems. The paper further highlights fiber-based material properties, such as lightweight, flexibility, high surface area, and their impact on energy density and stability. The paper also discusses the various fabrication methods for fiber-based supercapacitors and sensors, including electrospinning, dip-coating, and self-assembly. Finally, the paper elucidates future directions of fiber-based sensors and supercapacitors for electrochemical energy storage and visa vis sustainable production.