Sustainable and Flexible Energy Storage Devices: A Review

Abstract

In recent years, the growing demand for increasingly advanced wearable electronic gadgets has been commonly observed. Modern society is constantly expecting a noticeable development in terms of smart functions, long-term stability, and long-time outdoor operation of portable devices. Excellent flexibility, lightweight nature, and environmental friendliness are no less important aspects of the choice of mobile electronics. Naturally, electronic devices need efficient portable power sources (batteries and supercapacitors) that meet the above-mentioned requirements. However, most of these power sources use plastic substrates for their manufacture. Hence, this review is focused on research attempts to shift energy storage materials toward sustainable and flexible components. We would like to introduce recent scientific achievements in the application of noncellulosic polysaccharides for flexible electrochemical energy storage devices as constituents in composite materials for both batteries and supercapacitors. In this review, we will summarize the introduction of biopolymers for portable power sources as components to provide sustainable as well as flexible substrates, a scaffold of current collectors, electrode binders, gel electrolyte matrices, separators, or binding scaffolds for whole devices.

Ionic Liquid Cross-linked Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogel Electrolytes for Self-Protective Flexible Separator-Free Supercapacitors

“…The energy density, power density, and cycle life of electrochemical devices such as lithium ion batteries, supercapacitors, and biosensors have been significantly improved in the past decades, and they have been widely used for consumer electronics. − Thermal management of these energy devices gradually attracted intensive attention because large-scale and high-power applications brought vast heat, causing thermal abuse. Particularly, some electrolytes were unstable, likely flammable or volatile at high temperatures, causing fire or explosion .…”

Review on Molecularly Controlled Design of Electrodes for Metal–Air Batteries: Fundamental Concepts and Future Directions

“…However, rigid solid electrolytes are vulnerable to mechanical strain and are prone to exhibit deteriorated ionic conductivity due to evaporation of electrolytes. 137,138 To address these challenges, thin and flexible polymer electrolytes are continuously developed to realize a full potential solid-state metal−air battery. 73,139 In this regard, Zn−air and Al−air batteries are strategically most important, yet far from providing the desired output despite their high theoretical capacities.…”

“…Therefore, the development of lightweight and flexible electrochemical energy storage devices is very important at this point of time. However, rigid solid electrolytes are vulnerable to mechanical strain and are prone to exhibit deteriorated ionic conductivity due to evaporation of electrolytes. , To address these challenges, thin and flexible polymer electrolytes are continuously developed to realize a full potential solid-state metal–air battery. , In this regard, Zn–air and Al–air batteries are strategically most important, yet far from providing the desired output despite their high theoretical capacities. This is because of the parasitic side reactions leading to the formation of insoluble products which block the electrolyte.…”

Review and Perspectives of Sustainable Lignin, Cellulose, and Lignocellulosic Carbon Special Structures for Energy Storage

“…Mood et al reported synthesis of carbon materials from biomass using different methods having controlled properties for environmental applications like water purification . A review by Kasprzak et al highlighted different composites of polysaccharide-derived carbons with lignocellulose for flexible energy storage devices . Lignocellulosic carbon and their composites with conductive polymers and other carbon-based materials like graphene, carbon nanosheets, etc.…”