Multifunctional Structural Composite Batteries
Abstract
We are developing structural polymeric composites that both carry structural loads and store electrochemical energy. These multifunctional batteries could replace inert structural components while providing supplementary power for light load applications. If designed with sufficient structural and energy efficiency, these materials could also enable significant system-level weight reductions. To enable this concept, loadbearing properties must be engineered into the battery packaging, electrolyte, and/or electrodes. Previous examples of structural batteries have primarily utilized structural packaging. However, in this study, structural properties are designed directly into the electrolyte and electrode materials such that each component is itself multifunctional. Novel electrode and electrolyte materials are being synthesized to optimize both electrochemical and load-bearing capacity. One focus of our research is the development of solvent-free structural polymer electrolytes based on vinyl ester resins that exhibit a desirable combination of mechanical strength and ion conductivity. Using these resin electrolytes the components are being integrated using moldable, scalable, cost-effective composite processing techniques.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA472085
Entities
People
- E. H. Ngo
- E. L. Wong
- Eric D. Wetzel
- J. F. Snyder
- Kexin Xu
- P. A. Nguyen
- R. H. Carter
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory