Photo-assisted Li/Zn-air batteries and supercapacitors: material design, working mechanism and challenges

Abstract

In recent years, photo-powered energy storage devices have attracted considerable research attention due to their potential applications in smart electronics. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of recent developments in two distinct but highly promising energy storage technologies, photo-assisted metal-air batteries and photo-supercapacitors. The section on metal-air batteries primarily describes the electrochemical performance of Zn-air and Li-air systems, innovative photo-electrode designs, and mechanisms that enhance oxygen evolution and reduction reactions. A brief discussion is also provided of other metal-air systems, including Mg, Fe, and Al. In contrast, the section on photo-supercapacitors explores recent advancements in light-driven charge storage, electrode materials, and device architectures, presenting a comparative performance analysis of materials such as metal oxides, sulfides, and perovskites. Various critical challenges, including material stability, efficiency under varying light conditions, and scalability, are also thoroughly examined. Despite their different working principles, both technologies hold great potential to increase energy efficiency and sustainability through the use of photo-assisted processes. The purpose of this review is to bridge existing knowledge gaps and propose future directions for research in these emerging fields.