A groundbreaking new study, utilizing advanced agent-based molecular fuzzy intelligent algorithms, has identified recyclability rate as the paramount factor influencing the technical investment performance of carbon-neutral supercapacitors within renewable energy systems. The research, published in Scientific Reports, also concluded that gravity-based energy storage represents the optimal investment choice for integrating these devices into renewable grids, achieving the highest fitness value.

The study addresses a critical challenge in renewable energy investments: the lack of clear prioritization for technical variables affecting carbon-neutral supercapacitor performance, which can lead to inefficient resource allocation and suboptimal strategic decisions. To fill this gap, researchers developed an original decision-making model integrating several innovative techniques, including an Entropy-game-based expert weighting method, Q-learning algorithm, molecular fuzzy intelligence algorithms, Bayesian network-based weighting (BANEW), and ant colony optimization (ACO).

According to the findings, the recyclability rate emerged as the most significant technical determinant, assigned the highest weight of 0.316. This underscores the increasing importance of circular economy principles in energy technology, highlighting that the ability to recover materials at a device's end-of-life significantly reduces waste management costs and enhances environmental compliance, thereby improving financial performance and material sustainability.

Beyond material circularity, the model also evaluated various investment strategies for carbon-neutral supercapacitors within the broader renewable energy landscape. The analysis indicated that gravity-based energy storage systems offer the most effective integration pathway, demonstrating a fitness value of 4.044. This suggests that while supercapacitors provide rapid charge/discharge capabilities crucial for grid stability, their optimal deployment often occurs within larger, long-duration storage frameworks that can leverage their unique characteristics while mitigating their limitations in volumetric energy density.

Other critical factors examined included energy density, smart grid adaptability, and raw material sustainability. High energy density is vital for prolonged energy supply and minimizing system volume, while smart grid adaptability facilitates real-time data sharing and remote management, enhancing system efficiency and resilience. Raw material sustainability ensures supply chain continuity, environmental compliance, and cost stability, directly impacting production costs and investment periods.

Carbon-neutral supercapacitors offer significant advantages over traditional batteries, including faster charge-discharge times and environmentally friendly production processes. Their ability to provide high energy efficiency makes them ideal for mitigating the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. However, challenges such as lower energy storage per unit volume compared to traditional batteries and higher initial production costs for new technologies necessitate precise investment strategies. This study provides a robust analytical framework to navigate these complexities, offering a clear roadmap for optimizing technical and financial outcomes in sustainable energy storage.