Researchers Mehedi Hasan, Ishtiaq Murshed, Khayrul Islam, and A. K. M. Masud, affiliated with the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, have published a review article that aims to unify the understanding of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) in both batteries and supercapacitors. Their work, published in the journal “Advanced Energy Materials,” seeks to bridge the gap between these two types of energy storage devices, ultimately aiming to create more efficient and long-lasting energy storage technologies.
The solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) is a nanoscale film that forms on the electrode surface due to electrolyte decomposition. In batteries, the SEI is well-studied and known to play a crucial role in device performance. However, its counterpart in supercapacitors has not received the same level of systematic investigation, despite growing evidence of its importance. The researchers argue that SEI formation is a universal electrochemical process that occurs whenever electrode potentials drive electron transfer into electrolyte orbitals beyond their stability limits, regardless of whether the charge storage mechanism is Faradaic (as in batteries) or non-Faradaic (as in supercapacitors). The differences between battery SEIs and supercapacitor interphases are primarily due to operating conditions rather than fundamental chemistry.
The researchers highlight that engineered interphases, created through electrolyte additives, protective coatings, or surface functionalization, can suppress leakage currents, improve capacitance retention, and enable stable high-voltage operation. By identifying shared mechanisms and establishing transferable design rules, the researchers propose a unified framework for predictive interphase engineering. This framework could support the development of long-lived, high-performance energy-storage technologies that combine the high energy density of batteries with the power capability and long cycle life of supercapacitors.
For the energy industry, this research offers practical applications in the design and optimization of next-generation energy storage devices. By understanding and controlling the SEI in both batteries and supercapacitors, manufacturers can improve the performance, lifespan, and safety of these devices. This could lead to more efficient energy storage solutions for renewable energy integration, electric vehicles, and grid stabilization, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and reliable energy infrastructure.
The research was published in the journal “Advanced Energy Materials,” a peer-reviewed publication that focuses on cutting-edge research in energy materials and technologies. The review article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of SEI in both batteries and supercapacitors, offering valuable insights for researchers and industry professionals working in the field of energy storage.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.