DESIGNING STRUCTURAL BATTERIES: CFRP ELECTRODES AND CURRENT COLLECTORS.
Topic(s) : Special Sessions
Co-authors :
Eunice CUNHA (PORTUGAL), Beatriz AROUCA MAIA (PORTUGAL), Natalia MAGALHAES (PORTUGAL), Raquel M. SANTOS , Maria HELENA BRAGA , Nuno CORREIA (PORTUGAL)Abstract :
Structural batteries (SB) are a promising new technology with the potential to revolutionize energy storage. The innovative concept involves integrating the battery directly into the structural elements of a device or structure, eliminating the need for separate battery modules and simultaneously reducing weight and volume [1,2]. The reduction in weight represents substantial impact in the design of the future transportation sector, particularly in the context of overall energy efficiency. The mere 10% reduction in vehicle weight has been shown to enhance fuel efficiency by 5–8% [3]. This emphasizes the crucial role of weight reduction not only in improving energy efficiency but also in optimizing the performance of energy storage devices to meet the demands of practical applications.
Within the domain of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and other battery technologies (such as sodium-based batteries), current collectors (CC) emerge as indispensable constituents. CC play an essential role by serving as a vital bridge that supports active materials, such as cathode and anode materials, binders, and conductive additives. Additionally, they electrochemically connect the overall structure of anodes and cathodes with an external circuit [4].
Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) have emerged as promising materials for structural batteries, leveraging their exceptional strength- and stiffness-to-weight ratios alongside their inherent lightweight nature, all while incorporating energy storage capabilities. In the pursuit of efficient CC, carbon-based materials (including CFRP) stand out as promising candidates. Despite their lower electrical conductivities compared to metallic CC materials, they offer distinct advantages such as electrochemical stability in various electrolyte media. Moreover, the relatively short distance involved in electron transport through stacked laminates mitigates the effective electrical resistance, compensating for the inherent lower conductivity of carbon-based CC [3].
In this work, modified CFRP was studied simultaneously as electrode and current collector in a structural battery system. Additionally, the substitution of traditional liquid electrolytes by stable polymer-based electrolytes composites was explored. [5,6] Solid polymeric electrolytes are non-flammable materials that are not only capable of carrying mechanical loads and withstanding thermal variations, but also capable of providing high energy efficiency at a competitive cost.
The next generation of CFRP structural batteries will result in a considerable overall mass-saving and show great potential to revolutionize the future design of electric mobility.
Within the domain of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and other battery technologies (such as sodium-based batteries), current collectors (CC) emerge as indispensable constituents. CC play an essential role by serving as a vital bridge that supports active materials, such as cathode and anode materials, binders, and conductive additives. Additionally, they electrochemically connect the overall structure of anodes and cathodes with an external circuit [4].
Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) have emerged as promising materials for structural batteries, leveraging their exceptional strength- and stiffness-to-weight ratios alongside their inherent lightweight nature, all while incorporating energy storage capabilities. In the pursuit of efficient CC, carbon-based materials (including CFRP) stand out as promising candidates. Despite their lower electrical conductivities compared to metallic CC materials, they offer distinct advantages such as electrochemical stability in various electrolyte media. Moreover, the relatively short distance involved in electron transport through stacked laminates mitigates the effective electrical resistance, compensating for the inherent lower conductivity of carbon-based CC [3].
In this work, modified CFRP was studied simultaneously as electrode and current collector in a structural battery system. Additionally, the substitution of traditional liquid electrolytes by stable polymer-based electrolytes composites was explored. [5,6] Solid polymeric electrolytes are non-flammable materials that are not only capable of carrying mechanical loads and withstanding thermal variations, but also capable of providing high energy efficiency at a competitive cost.
The next generation of CFRP structural batteries will result in a considerable overall mass-saving and show great potential to revolutionize the future design of electric mobility.