Unveiling the Hidden Potential of Two-Dimensional Black Phosphorus for Advanced Supercapacitor Applications

In response to the contemporary energy crisis, researchers have intensified efforts to explore green and renewable energy sources alongside developing robust energy storage devices. Supercapacitors stand out among various storage options due to their high-power density and rapid charge-discharge cycles. However, their lower energy density poses a challenge, leading to exploration of diverse electrode materials, including black phosphorus (BP). BP, with its two-dimensional (2D) layered structure akin to graphene, exhibits exceptional properties, making it a promising candidate for various applications, including energy storage. This Perspective focuses on the properties of BP as an electrode material for supercapacitors, covering electrochemical performance, charge storage mechanisms, and synthesis methods. Challenges such as restacking and stability have prompted innovative strategies to enhance BP-based supercapacitors, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Furthermore, the fabrication of BP-based hybrid nanocomposites with carbonaceous polymers, conducting polymers, and other 2D materials is discussed, highlighting their efficacy as electrode materials along with future outlooks.