Recent progress in food waste-derived porous carbons for supercapacitors

Abstract

Supercapacitors are one of the most promising energy storage systems owing to their outstanding power density, reliable cycling life, ultra-fast charging rate, and wide range of operational conditions. Porous carbon materials demonstrate significant potential as electrode materials in supercapacitors because of their low cost, high surface area, excellent conductivity, and good electrochemical stability. This article systematically reviews the past five years of research progress regarding the application of food waste-derived porous carbon materials in supercapacitors, including carbonization processes, activation strategies, and heteroatom-doping methods. Specifically, this article examines the effect of different carbonization processes on material pore structure, surface area, and conductivity, with particular emphasis on the role of activation techniques and heteroatom doping in enhancing the quality and electrochemical performance of carbon materials during modification. In conclusion, this article outlines current technical challenges and suggests future research directions to advance the practical application and industrialization of food waste-derived porous carbon in supercapacitors.