Self-healing electrolytes for advanced supercapacitors

The growing demand for durable and high-performance energy storage devices has driven significant interest in self-healing electrolytes for supercapacitors. These advanced materials possess the unique ability to autonomously repair structural and functional damage, thereby extending device lifespan and ensuring consistent electrochemical performance. This review comprehensively explores the underlying mechanisms of self-healing, including intrinsic and extrinsic strategies based on dynamic interactions such as hydrogen bonding, ionic associations, reversible covalent linkages, and supramolecular forces. A wide array of self-healing electrolytes is discussed, encompassing polymeric systems like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), and sodium alginate (SA), along with borax-based and supramolecular formulations. Their roles in balancing ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness are critically analyzed. The integration of these electrolytes into supercapacitor architectures demonstrates promising advancements toward safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting energy storage solutions. This review outlines key challenges and future directions, emphasizing the need for innovative material design and enhanced functional integration to unlock the full potential of self-healing electrolytes in next-generation supercapacitor technologies.