Abdullahi Abdulkadir, Har Mohan Singh, Lavi Aluna, Pramod K. Singh, Shalu, Markus Diantoro, Shishir Kumar Singh
Algae-based polymers such as agar, alginate, carrageenan, and cellulose provide environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic polymers in energy-storage devices because of their inherent biodegradability, structural tunability, and biocompatibility. A critical evaluation of the potential of algae-derived polymers for electrochemical energy storage systems was executed by examining their extraction methods, functional properties, and applications. Various extraction techniques, including solvent, microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and enzyme-assisted methods, are described for their effects on yield, material quality, operational conditions, and environmental impact. Algae-based biopolymers exhibit moderate to high ionic conductivity, high capacitance, and excellent cycling stability after extended use. These qualities make them key materials in supercapacitors, batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and flexible bioelectronics. Although algae-based polymers have these advantageous features, synthetic polymers still dominate because of their superior mechanical and electrochemical properties. This review includes life-cycle and techno-economic analyses of algal biopolymers, highlighting key process challenges such as drying energy, chemical-intensive extraction, and climate impact. Algae-based biopolymers have lower carbon footprints compared to synthetic options, aligning closely with sustainable development goals. The study concludes with research priorities including process intensification, hybridization, and techno-economic evaluations. These areas are crucial for improving the commercial potential of algae-based biopolymers in next-generation electrochemical energy storage devices. © 2026
Department of Physics & Environment Sciences, Sharda School of Engineering & Science, Sharda University, Uttar Pradesh, Greater Noida, 201310, India; Department of Biological Sciences, Kashim Ibrahim University, P.M.B. 1122, Njimtilo, Kano Road, Maiduguri, Nigeria; Centre of Excellence in Solar Cell and Renewable Energy, Sharda University, Uttar Pradesh, Greater Noida, 201310, India; Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Tezpur University, Assam, India; Department of Physics and Materials Science and Engineering, Jaypee Institute of information technology, Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
