Structural Batteries: A Review

Abstract

Structural power composites stand out as a possible solution to the demands of the modern transportation system of more efficient and eco-friendly vehicles. Recent studies demonstrated the possibility to realize these components endowing high-performance composites with electrochemical properties. The aim of this paper is to present a systematic review of the recent developments on this more and more sensitive topic. Two main technologies will be covered here: (1) the integration of commercially available lithium-ion batteries in composite structures, and (2) the fabrication of carbon fiber-based multifunctional materials. The latter will be deeply analyzed, describing how the fibers and the polymeric matrices can be synergistically combined with ionic salts and cathodic materials to manufacture monolithic structural batteries. The main challenges faced by these emerging research fields are also addressed. Among them, the maximum allowable curing cycle for the embedded configuration and the realization that highly conductive structural electrolytes for the monolithic solution are noteworthy. This work also shows an overview of the multiphysics material models developed for these studies and provides a clue for a possible alternative configuration based on solid-state electrolytes.

An All-Solid-State Coaxial Structural Battery Using Sodium-Based Electrolyte

“…While most of the industries are focusing on optimizing the electrochemical performance and the safety of the LIB [ 1 , 2 ], in recent years, several research groups fostered the idea of extending batteries’ functionalities to incorporate more than one primary function [ 3 ]. Among the various ideas that emerged to obtain multifunctional batteries, one of the most promising was the possibility to endow batteries with mechanical capabilities designated by structural batteries [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Designing Structural Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems: A Perspective on the Role of Device Chemistry

“…Most of the studies on structural LIBs used CFs as anodes, but many aspects, including dendrite formation and crack nucleation during the lithiation/delithiation cycles, have yet to be deeply addressed ( Danzi et al, 2021 ). Interfacial adhesion between CFs and the structural electrolyte will be vital for the mechanical and electrochemical properties of SESDs; thus operando and modelling studies are needed to analyze the inherent behaviors, particularly over multiple cycles.…”

“…one material bears loads, another stores energy electrochemically ( Pereira et al, 2009 ; Thomas et al, 2013 ). The second approach formulates multifunctional materials that simultaneously and synergistically provide structural and electrochemical energy storage functions ( Asp and Greenhalgh, 2014 ; Danzi et al, 2021 ). Both approaches have their advantages and challenges, the former offers modest savings under low mechanical loads but suffers from issues such as delamination at the device/composite interface and limited scope for synergy.…”

“…Wider reviews of SESDs are available, particularly describing manufacturing and engineering issues ( Asp and Greenhalgh, 2014 ; Ferreira et al, 2016 ; Deka et al, 2017a ; Danzi et al, 2021 ; Galos et al, 2021 ). This perspective examines the prospects for current and future device chemistries, as they may be implemented in SESDs based on fiber composites.…”

Structural Power Performance Targets for Future Electric Aircraft

“…Structural power composites can be further categorized by the type of electrical energy storage device. The two types which receive the greatest attention are structural battery composites (SBC) [27,28] and structural supercapacitor composites (SSC) [29]. SPC technology has been demonstrated in full scale automotive structures (Figure 4a) incorporating SSCs (Figure 4b) to power the rear lighting.…”