Properties, functions, and challenges: current collectors

Current collectors always play a vital role in battery and supercapacitor cells which bridges the electrons from active materials toward external devices. However, the second function of a current collector -as a substrate to cultivate the growth of active material -has always been overlooked and ignored. Likewise, the growing interest in preparing active materials directly with current collectors has molded integrated electrodes, eliminating the use of additional binders and additives. In this review, we discuss the importance of current collectors, their functions and capabilities, and their role in integrated electrodes. Likewise, methods of preparing binder-free integrated electrodes and controlling the mass to an opti-mized and desirable structure that can unlock superior electrochemical properties are also elaborated. We also suggest accurate analysis techniques to determine the precise mass of active electrode materials from integrated electrodes. Last, considerations and outlooks are discussed to provide insight into the future direction of research for inexpensive, sustainable, and functional current collectors. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Current collectors play a vital role in facilitating electron transfer and can also serve as a substrate for the growth of active materials in battery and supercapacitor cells. This review emphasizes the importance of current collectors, their functions, and their role in integrated electrodes. It discusses methods for preparing binder-free integrated electrodes and controlling their structure to unlock superior electrochemical properties. Accurate analysis techniques for determining the mass of active electrode materials are also suggested. Considerations and future research directions for inexpensive, sustainable, and functional current collectors are provided.