Foldable Photo-Charged Supercapacitors: Materials, Technology Challenges, and Applicability

Foldable photo-charged supercapacitors (FPCs) represent a breakthrough in flexible energy storage, combining energy harvesting and storage within a single device. These supercapacitors leverage electrostatic and electrochemical mechanisms to achieve superior performance, making them ideal for wearable and portable electronics. Their ability to instantaneously harvest and store energy from light enhances their applicability in intelligent devices, healthcare monitoring, and motion detection.This state of art displays the different types of the employed advanced electrode materials, including carbon fibers, conducting polymers, and hybrid composite structures. Additionally, the recent techniques for integration with photovoltaic technologies will be sufficiently discussed. These advancements enable self-powered electronic devices with high energy densities and extended operational lifetimes. The article also demonstrates the possible manufacturing techniques to facilitate scalable production of FPCs with flexible and lightweight architectures. Moreover, the technological challenges such as material compatibility, electrolyte leakage, and performance mismatches between photovoltaic and storage components are significantly addressed to ensure commercial viability.Novel packaging solutions are crucial for ensuring durability, mechanical flexibility, and biocompatibility for wearable applications. The development of self-healing materials and improved solid-state electrolytes will further enhance the resilience and safety of these devices.FPCs are promising for various applications, including health monitoring, electronic textiles, and smart fabrics, as discussed in this article. Future research should focus on optimizing energy conversion and storage efficiency, integrating multi-functional energy harvesting technologies, and developing sustainable manufacturing processes. As FPC technology advances, its impact on smart electronics, IoT systems, and sustainable energy solutions will continue to expand, paving the way for innovative and energy-efficient applications.