Application‐Oriented Design of Microporous Carbons for Advanced Supercapacitors: From Fundamental Mechanisms to Rational Material Engineering
Yutong Li, Qiqi Li, Su Zhang, Ning Cao, Yuantong Qiao, Wentao Niu, Han Hu, Liang Peng
Abstract
Abstract Supercapacitors, characterized by high power density and ultralong cycle life, represent crucial devices for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. With rapid development in renewable energy applications, energy recovery, and high‐power sources, their commercialization has witnessed significant growth. Current commercial supercapacitors are based on an electric double‐layer mechanism using porous carbon electrodes in organic electrolytes, yet face limitations including low energy density and high cost‐per‐energy metrics. Furthermore, volumetric performance has become increasingly critical for practical applications, considering manufacturing requirements, cost factors, and lightweight design. Microporous carbon shows great potential to solve these problems because micropores play pivotal roles by providing a large surface area, enhanced normalized capacitance, and high spatial utilization. This review comprehensively examines representative works across fundamental principles of supercapacitors, ion storage mechanisms, and kinetic behaviors in micropores, as well as preparation strategies for microporous carbons. Persistent challenges in understanding ion dynamics within subnanometer pores and scalable fabrication of precisely tuned microporous carbons are critically discussed. Finally, forward‐looking perspectives are provided on bridging theoretical insights with practical applications. The review aims to establish guidelines for advancing carbon‐based supercapacitors from fundamental science to industrial applications