journal article·2026-03

Confined Space in Hollow Micro/Nano Structures: Boosting Supercapacitor Performance to New Heights

Panpan Li, Shilin Zhang, Jieming Wang, Siyu Liu, Xue Kang, Hui Shao, Jian Qi

Small· Volume 22· Issue 13
Publisher page

Abstract

ABSTRACT High‐performance electrode materials are key to advancing supercapacitor technology. Hollow micro‐ and nanostructured materials with confined space effects act as precise “nanoreactors.” These materials effectively regulate ion transport kinetics, enhance interfacial interactions, and stabilize the electrode/electrolyte interface, achieving rapid ion storage and efficient diffusion. This review systematically summarizes the latest advances in the application of such materials in supercapacitors. We first elucidate the definition, classification, and preparation methods of hollow micro–nano structures, then explore the advantages of confined space effects in ion restriction and selection, reaction kinetics optimization, and other aspects. Furthermore, structural design and functionalization modifications can further enhance specific capacitance, rate performance, and cycling stability. We also discuss the physicochemical mechanisms involved in promoting charge storage, suppressing ion aggregation, and mitigating volume changes. Notably, machine learning has shown great potential in guiding the precise and controllable synthesis of complex hollow micro/nano structures, providing new insights and strategies for material design. Despite potential, challenges like precise synthesis, mass production of complex structures, in‐depth ionic behavior study in confined spaces, and long‐term stability remain. Finally, we outline future research directions to offer theoretical and technical guidance for designing next‐generation high‐performance supercapacitor electrodes based on confinement effects.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Supercapacitor Materials and Fabrication · Nanoporous metals and alloys · Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering Lyuliang University Lvliang P. R. China

Lvliang Key Laboratory of Structural Reliability Analysis in Engineering Lvliang P. R. China

Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering Lyuliang University Lvliang P. R. China

i‐Lab CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano‐Bionics (SINANO) Chinese Academy of Sciences Suzhou P. R. China

State Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery Institute of Process Engineering Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China

School of Chemical Engineering University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing P. R. China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China

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