A supercapacitor is an energy storage device that can store and release electrical energy quickly. Unlike traditional batteries, which rely on chemical reactions, supercapacitors use electrostatic fields to store energy, allowing for rapid charging and discharging. This makes them ideal for applications that require quick bursts of power, such as in electric vehicles or renewable energy systems. Supercapacitors have a longer lifespan than batteries, often lasting for hundreds of thousands of charge cycles. They are commonly used in conjunction with batteries to enhance performance in devices like smartphones and electric cars, providing additional power when needed without the drawbacks of slower battery technology.