Design of an Improved Model for Supercapacitors Using Nanoparticle-Assisted Electrodeposition and Laser-Induced Graphene Formation

Abstract

The need for advanced energy storage devices, particularly supercapacitors, has intensified due to the increasing demand for high-performance, sustainable energy solutions. However, conventional electrode fabrication techniques often fall short in optimizing ion transport and charge storage, primarily due to limitations in controlling porosity, conductivity, and structural architecture. To address these challenges, we propose a series of novel electrode fabrication methods aimed at enhancing the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors by improving electrode structure and material properties. The Nanoparticle-Assisted Electrodeposition with Gradient Porosity Control (NAEGPC) method allows precise control over multi-scale porosity, enhancing ion diffusion and reducing internal resistance. Similarly, Laser-Induced Graphene Formation with Heteroatom Doping (LIGHAD) combines laser-induced graphene fabrication with real-time heteroatom doping to achieve electrodes with improved conductivity and surface functionality. The Self-Assembly of Block Copolymer Templates for Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Electrodes (SABCPOMC) method exploits the self-assembly of block copolymers to fabricate electrodes with highly ordered mesoporous structures for optimized ion transport. Furthermore, 3D-Printed Architected Carbon Electrodes via Digital Light Processing (3DP-ACE-DLP) uses digital light processing to create architected carbon electrodes with tailored pore geometries, enhancing electrolyte access and charge transport. Finally, the Bio-Inspired Hierarchical Electrode Design (BIHED) mimics natural hierarchical structures to develop electrodes that enable efficient ion diffusion and multi-scale charge storage. The proposed methods demonstrate significant improvements in specific capacitance (500-900 F/g), energy density (40-75 Wh/kg), and reductions in internal resistance and ion diffusion limitations. These advances present transformative potential for supercapacitor technology, addressing key challenges in energy storage by introducing scalable, innovative electrode designs with enhanced electrochemical performance.