A Review on the Advancement of Biopolymer Electrolytes for High-Performance Supercapacitor Applications

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

With the growing demand for energy worldwide, energy storage devices like supercapacitors have been extensively researched due to their several advantages, including high power density, fast charging, and excellent cyclic stability. Synthetic polymer-based electrolytes exhibit high mechanical stability and tuneable ionic conductivity; however, these materials still suffer from low ionic conductivity at room temperature and poor interfacial compatibility with electrodes. Biopolymers, especially polysaccharides are naturally abundant and can be sustainably extracted from renewable resources. Biopolymer-polymer blending enhances the mechanical strength of solid, gel, and composite electrolytes while improving electrode-electrolyte interfacial properties, making them suitable for next generation supercapacitors. This review provides fundamental insights about biopolymers and its potential applications for energy storage device. On the basis of growth mechanism, biopolymer electrolytes are classified and discussed according to materials composition and recent developments. Furthermore, the importance of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in optimizing electrolyte formulations and elucidating ion conduction mechanisms is highlighted. In addition, the classification of supercapacitors according to electrode and electrolyte compositions, along with the influence of solid, gel, and plasticized composite biopolymer electrolytes on electrochemical performance, is comprehensively explored. Lastly, it highlights the key findings, challenges, and future outlook of biopolymer electrolytes in energy storage devices.

Publication Title

Journal of Polymers and the Environment

ISSN

15662543

DOI

10.1007/s10924-025-03721-2

Volume

34

Issue

1

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