Carbon hybrid nano-architectures as an efficient electrode material for supercapacitor applications

Abstract

In the present world, the depletion of the chief resources of energy, like fossil fuels, has prompted researchers all over the world to produce energy storage devices that dispense electronic properties superior to existing technology like rechargeable batteries. The morphology of electrodes of such devices has been a critical factor in establishing a ceiling on storage capacities, evoking within researchers a strong interest in nano materials for the reason that they possess remarkably high surface area, and ion and electron conduction properties. Carbon in this aspect is found to be a particular case, owing to its supreme conductivity values and excellent mechanical stability in various forms. In this review, an analysis of all modifications performed on carbon nanostructures to increase their storage capacity has been reported, with special emphasis on the gravimetric capacitance, cyclic stability, and densities (energy and power) of the subsequently formed supercapacitors (SCs). Towards the end, a discussion is initiated upon newer computational methods based on machine learning and artificial intelligence, for discovering novel 2D materials which could be potential candidates in compositing with carbon to reveal enhanced storage performance of SCs.