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Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Based on Nanostructured Materials

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A special issue of Nanoenergy Advances (ISSN 2673-706X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 9095

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Verónica Montes García

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Center for Advanced Technologies, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznaskiego 10, Poznań, Poland
Interests: energy storage; supercapacitors; batteries; multifunctional materials; plasmonics; SERS; electrochemistry; machine learning
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The urgent demand for sustainable and high-performance energy storage systems (ESSs) has accelerated the exploration of alternative technologies beyond conventional lithium-ion batteries. Hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs), particularly those incorporating aqueous zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (Zn-HSCs), aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs), and lithium metal batteries (LMBs), offer a promising pathway to bridge the gap between high-energy and high-power-density devices. This Special Issue focuses on the design and development of nanostructured materials as advanced electrodes for next-generation HESSs.

Recent progress in the synthesis of donor–acceptor conjugated polymers, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), MOF@COF hybrids, and functionalized graphene derivatives has revealed their potential to significantly enhance charge storage mechanisms. These materials leverage properties such as high surface area, hierarchical porosity, tunable redox activity, and strong metal-ion affinity—achieved through molecular engineering, heteroatom doping, and supramolecular functionalization—to improve both energy and power performance while maintaining long-term stability.

The goal of this Special Issue is to highlight the role of nanostructured and hybrid materials in driving innovation in hybrid ESSs. We welcome contributions that span fundamental material design, advanced characterization techniques, mechanistic studies, and device-level applications. By collecting cutting-edge research in this space, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of current challenges and opportunities in the field of hybrid energy storage systems.

Dr. Verónica Montes García
Guest Editor

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Keywords

hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs)
zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (Zn-HSCs)
covalent organic frameworks (COFs)
metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)
nanostructured electrode materials
redox-active polymers
supramolecular engineering
graphene-based cathodes
high energy and power density
sustainable energy storage

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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27 pages, 11155 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Application of P(EDOT-co-Py)@MWCNT Hybrid as Cathode Electrode for Aqueous Aluminum-Ion Batteries

by Glenda Ribeiro de Barros Silveira Lacerda, Luiz P. Fagundes dos Santos, Nathany Lopes Oliveira Sousa, Gabriel Jácomo de Paula Tonon, Maria Luiza M. Rocco, Tulio Matencio, Hállen Daniel Rezende Calado, Paulo F. Ribeiro Ortega and Garbas Anacleto dos Santos Junior

Nanoenergy Adv. 2026, 6(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanoenergyadv6010011 - 10 Mar 2026

Viewed by 618

Abstract

A hybrid material based on the copolymerization of EDOT (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and Py (pyrrole), 1:1 monomer ratio, onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was synthesized through a multistep functionalization approach. The resulting P(EDOT-co-Py)@MWCNT hybrid, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene-co-pyrrol)@MWCNT hybrid, was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These characterizations confirmed the successive functionalization steps, the effective anchoring of the monomers, and the subsequent formation of the copolymer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed a homogeneous polymer coating along the nanotube surface while preserving the structural integrity of the MWCNTs throughout the functionalization and polymerization processes. The P(EDOT-co-Py)@MWCNT hybrid was evaluated as an active electrode material for aluminum-ion storage in an aqueous aluminum sulfate electrolyte. The system exhibited two distinct charge-storage mechanisms: at high current densities, proton surface adsorption dominated, whereas at lower rates, a faradaic contribution associated with polymer chain redox activity and the reversible extraction/insertion of Al³⁺ became prevalent. The hybrid electrode delivered high specific capacities, reaching 200.6, 106.3, and 44.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.10, 0.25, and 0.50 A g⁻¹, respectively. These values are comparable to—or even exceed—those reported for similar cathodic materials designed for Al³⁺ storage, highlighting P(EDOT-co-Py)@MWCNT hybrid as a highly promising cathode candidate for aqueous aluminum-ion energy-storage systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Based on Nanostructured Materials)

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17 pages, 4799 KB

Open AccessArticle

Polybenzimidazole Membranes Modified with Porous Aromatic Frameworks: Synthesis, Structure, Mechanical and Transport Properties

by Dmitry D. Spasov, Ruslan M. Mensharapov, Matvey V. Sinyakov, Darya E. Grineva, Nataliya A. Ivanova, Xiang Li, Chuanyu Sun, Leonid A. Kulikov, Daria A. Makeeva and Sergey A. Grigoriev

Nanoenergy Adv. 2026, 6(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanoenergyadv6010003 - 8 Jan 2026

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 905

Abstract

High-temperature proton exchange membrane systems (HT-PEM) based on polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes are a promising technology offering significant advantages over their low-temperature counterparts. A key challenge limiting its long-term durability is the leaching of phosphoric acid (PA) from the membrane during operation. This work introduces, for the first time, the strategy of modifying polybenzimidazole (PBI) membranes with amino-functionalized porous aromatic frameworks (PAF-20-NH₂) to fundamentally enhance their PA retention and operational stability, a critical challenge for high-temperature PEM technologies. We propose that the synergistic combination of the framework’s nanoscale porosity and the specific interaction of its amino groups create an unprecedented network for acid immobilization via reinforced hydrogen bonding. A comprehensive study of the membranes’ physicochemical and structural properties reveals that PAF-20-NH₂ modification results in a significant and quantitatively demonstrated improvement in acid retention capacity, directly translating into a notable increase in proton conductivity compared to both pristine PBI and membranes modified with the non-functionalized PAF-20. These findings establish a new, highly effective pathway for the rational design of next-generation high-performance PBI-based membranes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Based on Nanostructured Materials)

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15 pages, 2297 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Cellulose-Based Sustainable Photo-Triboelectric Hybrid Nanogenerator for High-Performance Energy Harvesting and Smart Control Systems

by Zhen Tian, Jiacheng Liu, Chang Ding, Changyu Yang, Muqing Chen, Xiaoming Chen, Qiang Liu and Li Su

Nanoenergy Adv. 2026, 6(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanoenergyadv6010001 - 23 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1055

Abstract

With the advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, flexible sensors with dual optoelectronic sensing modes have emerged as a research hotspot for next-generation smart devices, further driving the urgent demand for environmentally friendly functional materials. Here, we innovatively integrated wastepaper recycling technology with a polyethyleneimine (PEI)-assisted pulping strategy to develop a novel cellulose-based sustainable photo-triboelectric hybrid nanogenerator (PT-HNG). Based on the working mechanism of a freestanding triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), the PT-HNG can directly convert pressure stimuli into electrical energy and triboelectrification-induced electroluminescence (TIEL) signals. It achieves luminescence brightness of 0.06 mW cm⁻² (3.84 cd m⁻²) and simultaneously delivers excellent electrical output performance (172.4 V, 6.36 μA, 43.7 nC) under sliding motion. More importantly, compatible with existing industrial papermaking processes, the PT-HNG is scalable for large-scale production. By combining PT-HNG with deep learning algorithms, a handwritten e-book system based on trajectory recognition was constructed, with a recognition accuracy of up to 95.5%. In addition, real-time intelligent control of PowerPoint presentations via PT-HNG was demonstrated. This study provides a new pathway for converting wastepaper into intelligent products and presents a novel idea for the interdisciplinary integration of the circular economy and advanced electronic technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Based on Nanostructured Materials)

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16 pages, 1803 KB

Open AccessArticle

Layer-by-Layer Hybrid Film of PAMAM and Reduced Graphene Oxide–WO₃ Nanofibers as an Electroactive Interface for Supercapacitor Electrodes

by Vanderley F. Gomes Junior, Danilo A. Oliveira, Paulo V. Morais and José R. Siqueira Junior

Nanoenergy Adv. 2025, 5(4), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanoenergyadv5040022 - 12 Dec 2025

Viewed by 678

Abstract

Tungsten oxide (WO₃) nanostructures have emerged as promising electroactive materials due to their high pseudocapacitance, structural versatility, and chemical stability, while reduced graphene oxide (rGO) provides excellent electrical conductivity and surface area. The strategic combination of these nanomaterials in hybrid electrodes has gained attention for enhancing the energy storage performance of supercapacitors. In this work, we report the fabrication and electrochemical performance of nanostructured multilayer films based on the electrostatic Layer-by-Layer (LbL) self-assembly of poly (amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers alternated with tungsten oxide (WO₃) nanofibers dispersed in reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The films were deposited onto indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates and subsequently subjected to electrochemical reduction. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the linear growth of the multilayers, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed homogeneous surface morphology and thickness control. Electrochemical characterization by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) revealed a predominantly electrical double-layer capacitive (EDLC) behavior. From the GCD measurements (PAMAM/rGO-WO₃)₂₀ films achieved an areal capacitance of ≈2.20 mF·cm⁻², delivering an areal energy density of ≈0.17 µWh·cm⁻² and an areal power density of ≈2.10 µW·cm⁻², demonstrating efficient charge storage in an ultrathin electrode architecture. These results show that the synergistic integration of PAMAM dendrimers, reduced graphene oxide, and WO₃ nanofibers yields a promising strategy for designing high-performance electrode materials for next-generation supercapacitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Based on Nanostructured Materials)

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12 pages, 1750 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Laser-Fabricated GO/ZIF-67 Hybrid Nanocomposites for High-Performance 3D-Printed Supercapacitors

by Mahshid Mokhtarnejad, Erick L. Ribeiro, Karen Y. Patino Jaimes, Mariana Milano-Benitez and Bamin Khomami

Nanoenergy Adv. 2025, 5(4), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanoenergyadv5040020 - 4 Dec 2025

Viewed by 932

Abstract

This study introduces a modified Laser Ablation Synthesis in Solution (LASiS), a surfactant-free and rapid synthesis approach that enables uniform MOF nucleation on graphene oxide (GO) and precise control over crystallinity, for fabricating graphene oxide (GO)-integrated cobalt-based ZIF-67 hybrid nanocomposites tailored for supercapacitor applications. By tuning LASiS parameters, we precisely controlled framework size, morphology, and crystallinity, enabling sustainable and scalable production. The incorporation of GO during synthesis markedly enhances the uniform dispersion of ZIF-67 frameworks, minimizing aggregation and establishing interconnected conductive pathways via strong

π

π

stacking interactions. Following thermal reduction at 250 °C, the Co/ZIF-67–rGO composites exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance, achieving a specific capacitance of 1152 Fg⁻¹ at 1 Ag⁻¹ in a three-electrode configuration, driven by the synergistic combination of pseudocapacitive cobalt centers and double-layer capacitance from rGO. Structural analyses confirm the preservation of ZIF crystallinity and robust interfacial integration with the graphene sheets. Embedding these nanocomposites into fully 3D-printed supercapacitors yields a specific capacitance of 875 Fg⁻¹, demonstrating their suitability for additive manufacturing despite minor increases in interfacial resistance. The 3D-printed supercapacitor devices delivered an energy density of 77.7 Wh/kg at a power density of 399.6 W/kg. Collectively, these results highlight the potential of LASiS-engineered MOF-based nanocomposites as scalable, high-performance materials for next-generation energy storage devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Based on Nanostructured Materials)

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25 pages, 4334 KB

Open AccessArticle

An AI-Driven TiO₂-NiFeC-PEM Microbial Electrolyzer for In Situ Hydrogen Generation from POME Using a ZnO/PVA-EDLOSC Nanocomposite Photovoltaic Panel

by Ataur Rahman Md, Mohamad Qatu, Labib Hasan, Rafia Afroz, Mehdi Ghatus and Sany Ihsan

Nanoenergy Adv. 2025, 5(4), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanoenergyadv5040018 - 26 Nov 2025

Viewed by 773

Abstract

Electrolysis and biological processes, such as fermentation and microbial electrolysis cells, offer efficient hydrogen production alongside wastewater treatment. This study presents a novel microbial electrolyzer (ME) comprising a titanium dioxide (TiO₂) anode, a nickel–iron–carbon (NiFeC) cathode, and a cellulose nanocrystal proton exchange membrane (CNC-PEM) designed to generate hydrogen from palm oil mill effluent (POME). The system is powered by a 12 V electric double-layer organic supercapacitor (EDLOSC) integrated with a ZnO/PVA-based solar thin film. Power delivery to the TiO₂-NiFeC-PEM electrolyzer is optimized using an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). Laboratory-scale pilot tests demonstrated effective degradation of POME’s organic content, achieving a hydrogen yield of approximately 60%. Additionally, the nano-structured ZnO/CuO–ZnO/PVA solar film facilitated stable power supply, enhancing in situ hydrogen production. These results highlight the potential of the EDLOSC-encased ZnO/PVA-powered electrolyzer as a sustainable solution for hydrogen generation and industrial wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Based on Nanostructured Materials)

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15 pages, 5127 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Electronic Structure Regulation Enhances the Urea Oxidation Reaction Performance of the NiCo-MOF Catalyst

by Lang Yao, Yanzhi Yang, Sirong Li and Xuechun Xiao

Nanoenergy Adv. 2025, 5(4), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanoenergyadv5040017 - 6 Nov 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1618

Abstract

In this paper, spherical-shaped catalytic materials with needle-like stacking structures were synthesized in situ on the foam nickel substrate using the hydrothermal method, resulting in the NiM (M = Co, Mn, W, Zn)-MOF series. Furthermore, the catalyst with the best performance was obtained by adjusting the ratio of metal elements. Electrochemical tests show that NiCo-MOF (Ni: Co = 1:2) has the best electrocatalytic performance. During the UOR process, NiCo-MOF exhibits the optimal performance in 1 M KOH and 0.5 M urea solution, with a potential of only 1.33 V at a current density of 10 mA/cm². The improvement in the activity of NiCo-MOF can be attributed to the synergistic effect between the Ni and Co bimetals, which leads to an increase in the electron transfer rate, the exposure of active sites, and an improvement in conductivity. Moreover, metal–organic framework materials are widely used as electrocatalysts due to their compositional diversity, rich pore structures, and high specific surface areas. Meanwhile, NiCo-MOF was used as a UOR and HER catalyst to assist the overall water decomposition with urea, and it showed relatively excellent performance. Only a voltage of 1.56 V was required to drive the current density of 10 mA/cm² of the UOR || HER system. Therefore, the synthesized NiCo-MOF catalyst plays an important role in improving the efficiency of hydrogen production from water electrolysis and has promising sustainable application prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Based on Nanostructured Materials)

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Review

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23 pages, 6010 KB

Open AccessReview

Metal–Organic Framework-Derived Electrocatalysts for Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries

by Shiqi Zhong, Zhiqiang Liu, Xiaolong Li, Fancheng Meng, Xiangfeng Wei and Jiehua Liu

Nanoenergy Adv. 2026, 6(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanoenergyadv6010007 - 13 Feb 2026

Viewed by 992

Abstract

Rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs) are still impeded by the intrinsically sluggish kinetics of oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER) and by the instability or prohibitive price of state-of-the-art noble metal catalysts. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently emerged as versatile sacrificial templates for next-generation air–cathode electrocatalysts. By programming pyrolytic or chemical conversion pathways, MOFs can be quantitatively transformed into hierarchically porous, heteroatom-doped carbon scaffolds that embed uniform metal, alloy, or metal-oxide nanodomains. The resulting architectures couple metallic conductivity with molecular-scale active site tunability, delivering exceptional ORR/OER activity, stability, and mass transport properties. This review critically examines the most recent advances in MOF-derived electrocatalysts for ZABs, establishing quantitative structure–composition–performance relationships across mono-, bi-, and multi-metallic systems. Emphasis is placed on deciphering how framework topology, metal–ligand coordination, and post-synthetic parameters dictate the density, electronic structure, and accessibility of surface-active moieties during catalyst evolution. We further dissect engineering strategies that enhance intrinsic activity via electronic modulation, bolster durability through encapsulation effects, and optimize hierarchical porosity for rapid O₂/water transport. This article concludes by outlining unresolved challenges and future research directions, including atomically precise active site construction, multi-scale compositional control, long-term reversibility under realistic ZABs cycles, scalable and green synthesis, providing a roadmap for translating MOF-derived catalysts from laboratory curiosities to commercially viable air–cathode materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid Energy Storage Systems Based on Nanostructured Materials)

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