Nowadays, the energy storage systems based on lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells (FCs) and super capacitors (SCs) are playing a key role in several applications such as power generation, electric vehicles, computers, house-hold, wireless charging and industrial drives systems. Moreover, lithium-ion batteries and FCs are superior in terms of high energy density (ED) as compared to the SCs. But, the down-side associated with them is the low power density (PD). O. Nowadays, the energy storage systems based on lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells (FCs) and super capacitors (SCs) are playing a key role in several applications such as power generation, electric vehicles, computers, house-hold, wireless charging and industrial drives systems. Moreover, lithium-ion batteries and FCs are superior in terms of high energy density (ED) as compared to the SCs. But, the down-side associated with them is the low power density (PD). On the other hand, this high PD feature is essential for the enhancement of dynamic performance of the system. Therefore, the SCs are well utilized due to their dominant features such as high specific power, rapid charging-discharging rate and superior cycling life. Hence, this paper mainly focuses on the advancements of various types of SCs along with their performance improvement methods. The important properties and selection of the electrode and electrolyte materials are described in detail. The commercially available SCs are enumerated with much more emphasis on their Figure of Merits (FOMs). Furthermore, the prominent role of SCs is highlighted with respect to the aforementioned applications. Finally, the future challenges associated with the SCs are presented. This review paper gives insightness for the design engineers and researchers in order to fill the research gaps associated with the SCs.••••It presents an overview on different types of SCs along with the electrode materials and electrolytes.••It emphasizes the various performance enhancement approaches of the SCs.••It focuses on the Figures of Merits (FOMs) of the commercially available SCs.••It spotlights the important features and role of SCs in various eminent applications.••It highlights the various research hotspots and future perspectives of the SCs.Energy storageSuper capacitorsMaterialsApplicationsEnergy storage systems (ESS) are highly attractive in enhancing the energy efficiency besides the integration of several renewable energy sources into electricity systems. While choosing an energy storage device, the most significant parameters under consideration are specific energy, power, lifetime, dependability and protection. On the other hand, the critical performance issues are environmental friendliness, efficiency and reliability. The majority of our energy demands are fulfilled by the fossil fuels, which are extremely detrimental to the environment. The renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy are very clean and abundant. However, it is difficult to grab optimal power from these power sources due to the unpredictable operating conditions. Some countries depend on the hydro electric energy, where it necessitates the large amount of water storage. But, the enormous storage of water at a dam causes the shifting of poles which leads to the change in earth's rotation. To overcome these fluctuations in power generation and also meeting the required power demand, an efficient energy storage system is desirable. Therefore, ESSs are very much important while dealing with unpredictable environment of the renewable energy sources [5, 6].There exist the various types of energy storage systems based on several factors like nature, operating cycle duration, power density (PD) and energy d. As mentioned earlier, the SCs have gained much attention due to their phenomenal properties such as fast charge and discharge, long cycle life and high PD. This is due to the continuous breakthroughs associated with the SC materials and fabrication processes. On the other hand, the global SC market is expected to reach 720 million USD from 409 mill.
