Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Carbon Nanofiber for Supercapacitor Application: A Review

Abstract

The need for the development of renewable energy harvesting and storage devices is on the front as the world is facing an environmental crisis due to the consumption of gallons of fossil fuels. One of the promising solutions on which many researchers are concentrating is supercapacitor as it possesses high energy and power density. Current literature study focusing on developments already had in the field of manufacturing of supercapacitors using different precursors, testing conditions, fiber dimensions, and their performance analysis. Most of the studies found that Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based electrospun carbon fiber webs is a potential electrode material for supercapacitors. The information gathered in this article is about the electrospinning technique, Surface and electrochemical characterization methods, and recent advances in their performance are highlighted. Also, enhancement in electrochemical performance through optimization of electrospinning parameter, a precursor modification by the addition of active materials (such as carbon nanotubes, metal oxides, and catalysts), heat and surface treatment followed, and optimum fibrous structures are summarized.