Advanced Functional Materials for Next-Generation Energy Storage and Conversion Technologies: Design Principles, Performance Enhancement Strategies, and Future Prospects

Abstract

Authors: Dr. Aniket Rajgopal, Dr. Meenakshi Karunakaran

ABSTRACT: Advanced energy storage and conversion materials are essential for meeting global sustainability goals, enabling high-performance batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, and solar-energy systems. Rapid growth in renewable energy, electric mobility, and decentralized power networks demands materials with superior electrochemical stability, high conductivity, long cycle life, thermal robustness, and environmental compatibility. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art materials, their structural engineering, operational challenges, and future scope. It highlights strategies such as nano-architecturing, hybrid material integration, and defect engineering that have transformed the efficiency and stability of modern devices. Emerging materials—including solid electrolytes, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), 2D materials, perovskites, and organic–inorganic hybrids—are critically examined, along with their role in powering nextgeneration sustainable technologies.

KEYWORDS: Advanced materials, batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, perovskites, 2D materials, nanotechnology, energy storage, energy conversion, MOFs.