Deep eutectic solvents: viable sustainable electrolytes for supercapacitors

Abstract

The ongoing pursuit of environmentally friendly options, spanning from fundamental research to industrial applications, has led to remarkable advancements in the field of energy storage. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) have emerged as a promising avenue for energy storage applications. These unique solvents, derived from readily available and biodegradable components, offer advantages such as low cost, high thermal stability, and excellent compatibility with a wide range of electrode materials. Their tunable properties and ability to facilitate efficient charge transfer make them attractive candidates for various energy storage systems, including batteries and supercapacitors. The fundamental properties and characteristics that distinguish DES from conventional electrolytes are thoroughly detailed in this chapter along with their impact in various research domains. This review highlights recent research endeavors in the field of energy, with a particular focus on supercapacitor technology. It explores the parameters and advantageous connections between supercapacitors and DES, elucidating the significant outcomes achieved through the use of these greener electrolytes for supercapacitors, excluding hybrid devices and other applications of DES in the area.