Heteroatom‐Doped Porous Carbons for Binder‐Free and Metal‐Free Supercapacitors: Design Strategies and Future Perspectives
Abstract
Binder‐free and metal‐free electrodes are emerging as sustainable alternatives to traditional supercapacitors that use non‐conductive binders and heavy metal components. This article discusses the recent advances in heteroatom‐doped porous carbons (such as N, B, P, S and O) designed to enhance supercapacitor performance. It highlights materials that eliminate inactive components, improve charge transport and increase mechanical flexibility. The article summarises the key synthesis strategies, including solution‐phase doping, electrospinning, 3D printing, thermal reduction, biomass‐derived carbonisation and conducting polymer‐based methods. It critically examines how heteroatom doping influences surface chemistry, electrical conductivity and pseudocapacitive behaviour. Special attention has been given to the structural and electrochemical performance of these materials in flexible, solid‐state and scalable device formats. This article emphasises the transformative potential of doped, binder‐free and metal‐free carbon electrodes in designing next‐generation supercapacitors, especially suited for portable, wearable and sustainable energy storage technologies.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Supercapacitor Materials and Fabrication
Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion
Aerogels and thermal insulation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ChemNanoMat
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 5
- Publication date
- 29 April 2026
- Language
- EN