Advanced carbon-based electrodes for zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors enhanced by heteroatom doping

The growing demand for sustainable energy storage requires devices that combine high energy density with rapid charging and long cycle life. Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors offer a promising solution by integrating battery-like and capacitor-like electrodes, yet their performance depends critically on advanced carbon materials for the positive electrode. In this Review, we examine how incorporating nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, boron and other elements into carbon structures enhances energy storage through multiple mechanisms. We analyze how single and multiple element combinations improve electronic properties, surface chemistry and pore structures to optimize device performance. We further discuss quantitative design principles for pore architecture, heteroatom ratios, and active site distribution. Finally, we address remaining challenges in electrode stability and manufacturing scalability, and outline future directions involving electrolyte engineering and optimized doping strategies for next-generation energy storage systems. Zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors combine battery‑ and capacitor‑type electrodes, but their performance relies on advanced carbon materials. Here, the authors summarize how heteroatom doping enhances carbon-based electrodes and outline key design principles, stability and scalability challenges, and future directions.