Natural-derived electrolytes for supercapacitors

A growing need for sustainable energy-management solutions has highlighted the limitations of conventional electrolytes, leading to an examination of alternative options. Traditional electrolytes, often based on non-renewable resources, exhibit limited environmental sustainability and increase greenhouse gas emissions, therefore increasing global warming. Their production processes are frequently energy-intensive, further accelerating climate change. In response to these challenges, researchers have focused on nature-derived electrolytes, which offer a promising pathway to sustainable, eco-friendly, and high-performance energy storage. These electrolytes can reduce environmental impact by leveraging renewable biomass sources, natural polymers, and biocompatible materials while enhancing electrochemical properties. This shift towards nature-derived electrolytes is driven by the need to minimize our reliance on fossil fuels, decrease carbon emissions, and promote environmentally responsible technologies. This chapter overviews the latest research on nature-derived electrolytes, highlighting their advantages and potential applications in supercapacitors. We explore the diverse natural materials investigated, including plant-based polymers, algae-derived compounds, and microbially produced substances. By examining the properties and performance of these innovative materials, we can unlock new opportunities for sustainable energy storage. Herein, a comprehensive coverage of the topics related to nature-derived electrolytes has been given. The authors examine the present state of research on this topic, emphasizing the significant difficulties and potential. Additionally, we provide an in-depth analysis of the properties and performance of nature-derived electrolytes, by emphasizing how they can be utilized potentially in energy storage devices. Our goal is to offer essential resources for individuals in academia, government, and the private sector who are looking to promote progress in the area of sustainable energy storage. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved..