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Review
. 2023 Aug 9;123(15):9327-9355.
doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00773. Epub 2023 Jun 9.

Progress of Photocapacitors

Natalie Flores-Diaz  1 , Francesca De Rossi  2 , Aparajita Das  3 , Melepurath Deepa  3 , Francesca Brunetti  2 , Marina Freitag  1
Affiliations
Review

Progress of Photocapacitors

Natalie Flores-Diaz et al. Chem Rev. .

Abstract

In response to the current trend of miniaturization of electronic devices and sensors, the complementary coupling of high-efficiency energy conversion and low-loss energy storage technologies has given rise to the development of photocapacitors (PCs), which combine energy conversion and storage in a single device. Photovoltaic systems integrated with supercapacitors offer unique light conversion and storage capabilities, resulting in improved overall efficiency over the past decade. Consequently, researchers have explored a wide range of device combinations, materials, and characterization techniques. This review provides a comprehensive overview of photocapacitors, including their configurations, operating mechanisms, manufacturing techniques, and materials, with a focus on emerging applications in small wireless devices, Internet of Things (IoT), and Internet of Everything (IoE). Furthermore, we highlight the importance of cutting-edge materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and organic materials for supercapacitors, as well as novel materials in photovoltaics, in advancing PCs for a carbon-free, sustainable society. We also evaluate the potential development, prospects, and application scenarios of this emerging area of research.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic illustrating the integration of photocapacitors from individual components into a singular device capable of light harvesting and charge storage. Multiple applications are enabled by the use of photocapacitors, and their development will lead to more efficient and sustainable energy consumption.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic representation of the illuminance levels in different settings. As depicted in the diagram, most sensors and communications protocols require power from 10 μW to 100 mW. Efficient PCs with enough active areas can meet the power requirements of each application. The design of flexible photocapacitors broadens their ambient light applications and wearable electronics.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Top left: Different photovoltaic technologies. First-generation solar cells based on c-Si and a-Si, second-generation solar cells: GaAs and CIGS, among others, and third-generation or emerging solar cells: OPVs, PSC, and DSC or QDSC with similar structures. Top right: Shockley–Queisser limit for photovoltaic technologies. Bottom: comparison of the performance of batteries vs supercapacitors.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Schematic representation of the photocharging and dark discharge processes in a photocapacitor, and integration of a PC into different terminal configurations: 2-terminal, 3-terminal, 4-terminal.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Schematic guideline showing the mechanism, materials, and characterization techniques of photovoltaic and supercapacitor devices.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Schematic overview of the characterization of an integrated PC. The photovoltaic and charge storage efficiencies must be measured for the entire system to calculate a PC’s overall efficiency. The dark discharge must be recorded under strict dark conditions, and the stability must be reported following multiple photocharge–discharge cycles.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Sustainability of photocapacitors. Through Earth-abundant materials, third-generation photovoltaics can be manufactured with green chemistry techniques. Additionally, the charge storage unit can integrate multiple waste and bioderived materials. These features contribute to the viability of PC production and integration into a circular economy.
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