Advanced carbonaceous materials for Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors: status and perspectives

Emerging Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZHSCs) are being vigorously pursued due to their sustainability, economic efficiency, high safety and excellent theoretical electrochemical properties. As a significant element in the advancement of ZHSCs, carbonaceous materials can be utilized for fabricating the cathode and electrolyte and protecting the Zinc anode. Despite advancements, challenges notably persist in the form of unsatisfactory rate performance, scarcity of active sites, and undesirable cycling stability within carbonaceous cathodes. Here, this mini-review thoroughly expounds on the recent progress of carbonaceous materials with different dimensions and the corresponding synthesis strategies. The complexity of the structure, morphology, and relevant properties of sophisticated carbonaceous materials employed in contemporary devices is discussed. Besides, we elaborate on the strategies for modifying these materials to achieve optimal characteristics. Finally, the assessment of the existing challenges and prospects for carbonaceous materials within ZHSCs is explored. We anticipate that the insights presented herein can pave the way for developing carbonaceous materials, heading toward future-generation energy storage devices.