Dual Role is Always Better than Single: Ionic Liquid as a Reaction Media and Electrolyte for Carbon‐Based Materials in Supercapacitor Applications

Abstract

The burgeoning energy demand necessitates the demand for alternative sources of energy worldwide. The development and enhancement of energy storage devices are the main focus of researchers for sustainable energy production. Carbon supercapacitors have the potential applicability as a commercial source of power. Carbon‐based materials have been synthesized by utilization of ionic liquids (ILs). ILs exhibit unique properties, making them valuable materials to be utilized as a precursor, template, reaction media, and electrolytes for forming carbon‐based materials and enhancing supercapacitors (SCs) performance. This review article provides detailed information about ILs in the field of SCs. First, different attractive properties are illustrated, and then the role of ILs in producing carbon‐based materials in the SCs field is described. The next part provides detailed information regarding the utilization of ILs as electrolytes in carbon‐based SCs. Further, the implementations of ILs as electrolytes in different carbon‐based materials (such as activated carbon, graphene carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers) in SCs are listed. Lastly, the importance of IL‐based materials from other materials and future prospects are provided to the readers, which helps further improve the sustainable development of SCs.