Materials-driven Innovation in Hybrid Supercapacitor Electrodes

Supercapacitor research focuses on electrochemical energy-storage devices delivering high power density, rapid charge–discharge rates, and long cycle life. Nevertheless, their relatively low energy density continues to limit broader application. In hybrid supercapacitors, combining faradaic and electric double-layer charge-storage mechanisms, performance is strongly determined by electrode composition, crystal and electronic structure, defects, morphology, porosity, and interfaces. Key questions remain regarding how these features govern ion transport, redox activity, rate capability, energy–power trade-offs, and long-term stability. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of transition-metal oxides, correlated and topological materials, MXenes, quantum-confined two-dimensional systems, metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and biomass-derived carbons. Advances in computational materials science, high-throughput screening, machine learning, and in situ or operando characterization are also improving the prediction and interpretation of structure-property relationships. However, the field still requires more reliable links between fundamental materials descriptors and practical electrochemical performance, as well as scalable, sustainable, and reproducible synthesis strategies. Integrating rational materials design with advanced characterization and data-driven approaches is therefore essential for developing the next generation of hybrid supercapacitor electrodes.This Research Topic aims to advance the materials science of hybrid supercapacitors by bringing together experimental, theoretical, and computational studies of emerging electrode materials. It will examine how composition, electronic structure, crystal structure, defects, morphology, interfaces, and processing conditions influence charge-storage mechanisms and device-relevant properties. Particular attention will be given to studies that establish transferable design principles, clarify unresolved electrochemical mechanisms, and combine high performance with resource efficiency, environmental responsibility, and scalable preparation. The Research Topic prioritizes electrode-material innovation and fundamental understanding rather than electrolyte formulation and complete device engineering.To gather further insights into the rational design, fundamental mechanisms, and sustainable development of hybrid supercapacitor electrodes, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Quantum, correlated, transition-metal, and topological materials for hybrid supercapacitor electrodes- Quantum-confined two-dimensional materials, MXenes, and other low-dimensional conductors- Metal organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, porous materials, and their derivatives- Heteroatom-doped, biomass-derived, carbon-based, earth-abundant, and low-cost electrode materials- Defect engineering, doping, heterostructures, and materials-level interface design- Structure-property relationships involving crystal structure, electronic structure, morphology, porosity, and defects- Atomic and nanoscale charge-storage mechanisms revealed by In-situ and operando characterization- Computational materials science, high-throughput screening and artificial-intelligence- or machine-learning-driven materials discovery- Green, scalable, and reproducible synthesis and processing routes- Flexible, stretchable, and wearable electrode materials- Evaluation of energy density, power density, rate capability, coulombic efficiency, and cycling stability using rigorous and comparable methodologies Topic editors: Dr. Rajkumar Srinivasan, Dr. Princy Merlin Johnson Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80502/materials-driven-innovation-in-hybrid-supercapacitor-electrodes