Multifunctional composite designs for structural energy storage

Abstract

Structural batteries have emerged as a promising alternative to address the limitations inherent in conventional battery technologies. They offer the potential to integrate energy storage functionalities into stationary constructions as well as mobile vehicles/planes. The development of multifunctional composites presents an effective avenue to realize the structural plus concept, thereby mitigating inert weight while enhancing energy storage performance beyond the material level, extending to cell‐ and system‐level attributes. Specifically, multifunctional composites within structural batteries can serve the dual roles of functional composite electrodes for charge storage and structural composites for mechanical load‐bearing. However, the implementation of these multifunctional composites faces a notable challenge in simultaneously realizing mechanical properties and energy storage performance due to the unstable interfaces. In this review, we first introduce recent research developments pertaining to electrodes, electrolytes, separators, and interface engineering, all tailored to structure plus composites for structure batteries. Then, we summarize the mechanical and electrochemical characterizations in this context. We also discuss the reinforced multifunctional composites for different structures and battery configurations and conclude with a perspective on future opportunities. The knowledge synthesized in this review contributes to the realization of efficient and durable energy storage systems seamlessly integrated into structural components.

Pathways for MXenes in Solving the Issues of Zinc‐Ion Batteries: Achievements and Perspectives

“…In particular, the special structure of PBAs provides the 3D multi‐tunneling framework with open ion channels and large interstitial nanocavities, thus displaying excellent potential for storing and reversibly inserting/extracting large amounts of Zn 2+ . Some typical PBAs such as zinc hexacyanoferrates (ZnHCF) and copper hexacyanoferrates (CuHCF) [ 58–60 ] possess an output voltage higher than 1.7 V compared to common metal oxides (<1.5 V). However, they suffer from low specific capacity and poor cycle stability due to low conductivity, insufficient active sites, and structural damage in electrochemical reactions.…”

Carbon material with high pyridine/graphite nitrogen content: an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction

“…13–15 Given the limited availability and high cost of Pt, the broad adoption and application of Zn–air batteries as power sources are impeded. 16,17 Consequently, the exploration of non-noble metal-based catalysts, characterized by their high activity, durability, and affordability, has emerged as a paramount research avenue. 18,19 Of the myriad non-noble metal catalysts, N-doped carbon-based catalysts are anticipated to supplant noble metals, offering considerable cost reductions for Zn–air batteries owing to their affordability, straightforward synthesis, and well-established catalytic mechanism.…”