Applications of Quantum Dots in Supercapacitors

Quantum dots (QDs) are a new class of zero-dimensional (0D) nanomaterials having unique electronic and optical properties along with biocompatibility, chemical inertness, dispersibility in water, and high specific surface area that gives them potential for biological, optoelectronic and energy related applications. Among them, charge storage supercapacitor (SC) devices have been intensively studied as the nano-sized QDs act as an excellent interface to stimulate an enhanced interaction between electrode and electrolyte resulting in superior charge storage properties of the SC. In this chapter, the latest research progress on the five representative types of QDs namely carbon nanodots (CNDs), graphene QDs (GQDs), polymer QDs (PQDs), transition metal oxide (TMO) and dichalcogenide (TMD) QDs are comprehensively introduced and their influence on the final charge storage properties of supercapacitor devices is emphatically discussed in detail. Finally, a brief outlook is given, pointing out the challenges which remain to be settled before adoption of QDs can be of widespread utility for near future energy-functional devices.