Composite structural battery: A review

Abstract

Energy storage is a common challenge for spacecraft and vehicles, whose operating range and operational availability are limited to a considerable extent by the storage capacity; mass and volume are the main issues. Composite structural batteries (CSBs) are emerging as a new solution to reduce the size of electric systems that can bear loads and store energy. Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) offer significant advantages over metallic structures. This paper reviews the recent design of multifunctional composites by combining batteries with CFRP to obtain structural lightweight and excellent mechanical properties. The assembly methods for different CSBs based on the type of electrolyte used are discussed. A comparative analysis is performed on the energy density, rate performance, cycle performance, and mechanical performance with a particular focus on the multifunctional efficiency of various CSBs. Furthermore, the opportunities and challenges in CSBs are discussed, and research ideas are proposed for this emerging field.