Ionic Liquid-Based Electrolytes for Supercapacitor and Supercapattery

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Conventional electrolytes in energy storage devices have limitations like narrow potential windows, volatility, and flammability.
• Ionic liquids (ILs) are emerging as promising alternatives due to their inherent stability and safety.
• ILs offer potential for higher operating voltages and energy capacity in electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review recent literature on IL-based electrolytes for capacitive EES devices.
• To explore the application of ILs in supercapacitors, supercapatteries, and micro-supercapacitors.
• To provide insights into the future prospects of IL-based electrolytes in EES.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of IL-based electrolytes in supercapacitors, supercapatteries, and micro-supercapacitors.
• Analysis of ILs' advantages over conventional electrolytes.
• Explanation of supercapattery fundamentals and micro-supercapacitor considerations.

Main Results:

• ILs overcome limitations of aqueous and organic electrolytes, enabling higher operating voltages.
• IL-based electrolytes show significant potential for supercapacitors, supercapatteries, and micro-supercapacitors.
• Supercapatteries combine battery and supercapacitor merits, often exhibiting capacitive behavior.

Conclusions:

• ILs are competitive electrolytes for advanced EES devices, offering enhanced safety and performance.
• The review highlights the growing importance of ILs in supercapacitors, supercapatteries, and micro-supercapacitors.
• Future research should focus on further optimizing IL-based electrolytes for next-generation capacitive EES.