Supercapacitors have emerged as promising energy storage devices due to their high power density, rapid charge–discharge capability, and long cycle life. Among various electrode materials, carbon-based materials and metal oxides have gained significant attention for their complementary electrochemical properties. Carbon materials, such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and activated carbon, provide excellent electrical conductivity, large surface area, and stability, while metal oxides, including manganese dioxide, Co3O4, nickel oxide, and ruthenium oxide, offer high pseudocapacitance through redox reactions. The combination of these materials in hybrid electrode structures enhances energy density, rate capability, and overall electrochemical performance. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in carbon/metal oxide composite electrodes for supercapacitors, focusing on synthesis methods, structural optimization, charge storage mechanisms, and electrochemical performance. In addition, challenges such as material stability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness are discussed, along with potential strategies for future improvements. The integration of nanostructured carbon-metal oxide hybrids presents a viable approach for developing next-generation supercapacitors with enhanced energy storage capabilities for various applications, including portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems.
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Research Article|
April 23 2026
Recent advances in carbon and metal oxide–based supercapacitor electrodes: a mini review Available to Purchase
Vanshika Gairola;
Vanshika Gairola
Department of Physics, School of Basic and Applied Sciences,
Shri Guru Ram Rai University
, Dehradun, India
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Kamal K. Kar;
Kamal K. Kar
Advanced Nanoengineering Materials Laboratory, Materials Science Programme,
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
, Kanpur, India
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Pankaj Chamoli
Department of Physics, School of Basic and Applied Sciences,
Shri Guru Ram Rai University
, Dehradun, India
Corresponding author Pankaj Chamoli (pchamoli83@gmail.com)
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Corresponding author Pankaj Chamoli (pchamoli83@gmail.com)
Competing interests We have no conflict of interest to declare.
Publisher: Emerald Publishing
Received:
May 25 2025
Accepted:
February 27 2026
Online ISSN: 2045-984X
Print ISSN: 2045-9831
Funding
Funding Group:
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): SGRR University provided financial support
- Award Id(s): (11)2023/SM01
- Funder(s):
- Funding Statement(s): SGRR University provided financial support (Seed Money Project No: SGRRU/DR (11)2023/SM01) for the project.
© 2026 Emerald Publishing Limited
2026
Emerald Publishing Limited
Licensed re-use rights only
Nanomaterials and Energy 1–19.
Article history
Received:
May 25 2025
Accepted:
February 27 2026
Citation
Gairola V, Kar KK, Chamoli P (2026;), "Recent advances in carbon and metal oxide–based supercapacitor electrodes: a mini review". Nanomaterials and Energy, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1680/jnaen.25.00016
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