Advances in fabric-based supercapacitors and batteries: Harnessing textiles for next-generation energy storage

Flexible electrochemical energy storage devices with high energy density are essential for powering portable and wearable electronics. In recent years, numerous researchers have been dedicated to the development of flexible energy storage devices, achieving significant progress in energy and power density. Textiles, owing to their exceptional flexibility, lightweight nature, high specific surface area, and comfortable wearability, have emerged as a rapidly advancing frontier in energy storage research. However, challenges remain in achieving a balance between electrochemical properties, mechanical performance, and processing techniques. This review initiates by introducing device configurations, energy storage mechanisms, and key parameters for electrochemical evaluations. Exploiting the unique attributes of textile substrates and technologies, we provide a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art research on textile-based supercapacitors and batteries, with a focus on manufacturing methods for conductive textile electrodes, integration techniques, and electrochemical accomplishments. Addressing flexibility, stretchability, and washability of energy textiles, we analyze challenges and propose solutions, offering insights for future developments in flexible energy storage technologies.