Conductive polymers for next-generation energy storage systems: recent progress and new functions

Abstract

Conductive polymers are attractive organic materials for future high-throughput energy storage applications due to their controllable resistance over a wide range, cost-effectiveness, high conductivity (>10³ S cm⁻¹), light weight, flexibility, and excellent electrochemical properties. In particular, conductive polymers can be directly incorporated into energy storage active materials, which are essential for building advanced energy storage systems (ESSs) (i.e. supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries). This review summarizes the synthesis of conductive polymers with different chemical structures in various ways and also addresses their widespread applications for a broader range of ESSs. Moreover, we introduce recent progress in ESS development, including new electroactive polymers, new approaches (i.e. flexible, stretchable, binder-free, hybrid, etc.), and new functions (e.g. color changeable electrochromic materials for displays).