Conducting-Polymer-Based Supercapacitors

Abstract

CPs are known for their astonishing electrical and electrochemical properties. Characteristic features are tunable conductivity, structural flexibility, mild synthesis and processing conditions; chemical and structural diversity makes them excellent candidate for different fields of interest. Since the first introduction of CPs, it still remains relevant to discuss and grow rapidly in different fields of applications with various modern advancements. This chapter aims to revisit the journey and recent advancements of CPs in the field of energy storage systems like supercapacitors. Supercapacitors are one of the popular modern energy storage systems as they have many advantages like high power density, long cycle life, moderate to high capacitance, tunable rate capability, simple construction and low processing cost. Despite many advantages, supercapacitor is still facing many major challenges such as limited potential window, low energy density and sluggish rate kinetics. CPs have been considered as one of the excellent candidates for supercapacitor as they show miscellaneous redox nature, amazing electrical conductivity, good flexibility and many others. Therefore, substantial discussion is required to discuss the supercapacitors and its advantages and disadvantages, recent advancements, future challenges and new possibilities. This review focuses on the synthesis, processing and chemical modifications of various CPs with various interesting properties and their electrodes used for the advancements of supercapacitors which is the need of the hour.