Micro-Supercapacitors for Smart Transportation and Low-Altitude Economy: Advances in Material Innovations, Device Architectures, and System Integration

Abstract

The rapid evolution of low-altitude economies and intelligent transportation systems imposes stringent demands on energy storage technologies, including lightweight design, high power output, long cycle life, and intrinsic safety. Conventional lithium-ion batteries, while offering high energy density, suffer from limited power density, slow charge–discharge kinetics, and inherent thermal runaway risks, rendering them inadequate for high-dynamic applications such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In this context, micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative, leveraging rapid ion adsorption/desorption and surface redox reactions to deliver exceptional power density, ultrafast charging, and prolonged cycling stability. This review systematically examines recent advancements in MSCs, with a focus on electrode material design—such as two-dimensional nanomaterials and pseudocapacitive composites—electrolyte engineering for extended voltage and temperature windows, and innovative device configurations enabled by laser processing and 3D printing. Furthermore, the integration of MSCs into structural components, control systems, and self-powered modules is discussed, highlighting their role in enabling multifunctional, conformal, and symbiotic energy systems. Finally, current challenges and future directions are outlined to guide the development of next-generation MSCs tailored for autonomous, efficient, and reliable operation in smart transportation and low-altitude aerial platforms.