Developments on flexible micro-supercapacitor electrodes: From the basics to functional photo-charging integrated power systems

Miniaturized energy storage devices are currently gaining attention because of the growing need for portable, implantable, and wearable electronics. Micro-supercapacitors (MSC) have a shorter ionic diffusion path and may perform better than traditional electrochemical energy storage system because they are manufactured on a single substrate and can be easily integrated with other devices. In the meanwhile, they are easily produced and incorporated into miniaturized on-chip electronics, and this suggests that they could supply long-lasting power for sophisticated microelectronic systems. Although the subject of rigid MSC has been the subject of numerous influential reviews to date, no work has systematically compiled the evolution of Flexible MSCs with unique storage features, from microelectrode fabrication to functionalization and integration with various solar energy harvesters. This review therefore provided important characteristics and exciting prospects for the outstanding performance of flexible MSCs through a rigorous examination of the current state of advancement and challenges with flexible integrated photocharging power systems. •Important characteristics and exciting prospects for the outstanding performance of flexible supercapacitors were provided•Recent developments on microsupercapacitor unveiling methods of fabrication, electrode materials and others, were explored•The current state of advancement and challenges of MXene and graphene microelectrodes for microsupercapacitor were examined.•The advancements and challenges of the integration of MSC and various solar cells in flexible power systems were unveiled.•Novel solution insights into challenges associated with flexible microsupercapacitor integrated energy systems are provided.