Flexible electrodes for high-performance energy storage: materials, conductivity optimization, and scalable fabrication

Abstract

The rapid development of wearable, portable, and foldable electronics has intensified the demand for flexible energy storage systems with high performance and mechanical resilience. Flexible electrodes, as core components of such systems, have garnered significant attention due to their potential to combine electrochemical efficiency with structural adaptability. This review systematically examines recent advancements in enhancing the electrical properties of flexible electrodes through conductive polymer coatings, chemical doping, and the integration of nanomaterials, with a particular focus on graphene, carbon nanotubes, cellulose-based composites, and metal nanowires. It further evaluates scalable fabrication methods such as vacuum filtration, in situ polymerization, printing, and carbonization, highlighting their influence on electrode architecture and device output. In addition to summarizing performance trends, the review discusses key challenges in mechanical durability, interfacial stability, and industrial scalability. By connecting materials design with practical implementation, this work outlines a forward-looking framework for advancing the next generation of high-efficiency, flexible energy storage devices.