A critical review of recent advancements in high-temperature supercapacitors: Thermal kinetics, interfacial dynamics, employed strategies, and prospective trajectories

Abstract

Supercapacitors have emerged as versatile energy storage devices with distinct advantages over traditional batteries and capacitors. The development of High-temperature supercapacitors (HTSc) has been motivated by the need for reliable energy storage systems capable of efficient operation under extreme thermal conditions, offering superior performance for critical industrial applications. This comprehensive review explores the fundamental principles and components of HTSc, delving into the impact of temperature on supercapacitor performance and the associated changes observed at elevated temperatures. The review also investigates the thermal kinetics of HTSc and the interface dynamics that significantly influence their overall operation. Notably, special attention is given to recent advancements in HTSc technology, particularly focusing on solid-state electrolytes and their potential to revolutionize HTSc technology by addressing limitations associated with traditional liquid electrolytes in high-temperature environments. The review highlights the safety, performance, and lifespan improvements resulting from the integration of solid-state electrolytes in HTSc. Furthermore, it identifies current challenges and outlines future opportunities for advancements in HTSc. This comprehensive synthesis of knowledge in the review is expected to provide valuable insights for researchers and engineers, guiding them toward innovative breakthroughs in high-temperature energy storage applications. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.