Emerging trends in screen-printed supercapacitors for energy storage and power devices

Screen-printed supercapacitors have become a promising energy storage solution, combining high power density, rapid charge and discharge capabilities, and long cycle life, while also offering a cost-effective and scalable manufacturing method. This review explores the principles of screen-printed supercapacitor devices, highlighting the importance of energy storage mechanisms in supercapacitors and the advantages of using screen-printing technology for device fabrication. A detailed overview of screen-printing technology, its historical evolution in electronics, and comparisons with other fabrication methods such as photolithography, inkjet printing, and vacuum deposition are presented. The review also discusses the materials used in screen-printed supercapacitors, including carbon-based, graphene oxide, MXene-based, and metal sulfide materials, as well as the integration of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in enhancing electrochemical performance. While screen-printed supercapacitors offer several advantages in terms of cost, scalability, and flexibility, challenges in their development remain. These challenges include issues with ink formulation and conductivity, material compatibility with substrates, electrode architecture, process optimization, and performance limitations. Furthermore, print resolution, patterning accuracy, and the durability and flexibility of screen-printed supercapacitors for wearable or portable devices continue to pose significant concerns. Despite these hurdles, recent innovations are paving the way for improved performance and scalability. New approaches, such as co-doping and the use of hybrid materials, are being explored to enrich the electrochemical properties of screen-printed supercapacitors. The potential for integrating screen-printed supercapacitors into practical applications, such as wearable electronics, IoT devices, and energy harvesting systems, is also discussed. These supercapacitors enable the development of self-sustaining systems, such as wireless sensors and flexible electronics, that benefit from the combination of high power and fast energy storage capabilities. The review concludes with a look at the future direction of screen-printed supercapacitors, focusing on sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials, the potential for large-scale production, and the commercialization prospects of this technology. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2025.