DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF MULTI-FUNCTIONAL ENERGY STORAGE COMPOSITES INTEGRATING ULTRATHIN LITHIUM-ION BATTERY WITH ENHANCED ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Exponential advancement in the automotive and aerospace industry promotes the need for Multifunctional Energy Storage Composites (MESCs) to minimize the dependence on fossil fuels and reduce structural weight. This study proposes and evaluates a multi-functional carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite with an embedded lithium-ion polymer battery, demonstrating a structural integrity concept. Here electrospun epoxy-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (epoxy-MWCNT) nanofibers were incorporated precisely on the uncured CFRP surface to enhance adequate interfacial bonding and adhesion between the layers after curing. The mechanical and physical properties of modified CFRP have been evidenced to possess higher mechanical strength than the traditional CFRP composite. Commercial ultra-thin lithium-ion battery with higher energy density has been uniquely integrated into the core of the CFRP composite structure. Comparison with conventional CFRP composite and electro-mechanical testing ensured that the electrochemical property of the embedded battery was preserved in loading/unloading conditions, and the mechanical strength of the composite structure was not compromised.