Electrochemical behavior of carbon quantum dots as electrolyte additives for enhanced battery and supercapacitor performance
Fadhel F. Sead, Jayanti Makasana, Shelesh Krishna Saraswat, M. M. Rekha, Mayank Kundlas, Suman Saini, Kamal Kishore Joshi, Hadi Noorizadeh
Abstract
Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) are emerging as promising electrolyte additives for energy storage systems due to their unique structural, optical, and electrochemical properties. This review explores their role in enhancing ion transport, charge storage capacity, and electrolyte-electrode interactions in batteries and supercapacitors. By tailoring their morphology, crystallinity, and surface chemistry, CQDs improve electrolyte conductivity and promote stable solid electrolyte interfaces (SEI). Controlled incorporation of CQDs into electrolytes suppresses dendrite growth, regulates ionic conductivity, and enhances charge storage kinetics. In lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, CQDs boost electrochemical stability, cycling performance, and energy density. Their redox-active nature further improves charge storage efficiency, making them ideal for next-generation high-energy-density devices. This review underscores the potential of CQDs as scalable, multifunctional electrolyte additives to overcome key challenges in modern battery technologies.