Article
Materials Science, Composites
Dorsasadat Safanama, Sheau Wei Chien, Kristoffer Jenssen, Ming Yan Tan, Ning Ding, Derrick Wen Hui Fam
Summary: In the pursuit of more reliable battery systems for electric vehicles, researchers are focusing on multifunctional energy storage devices. This study incorporates high modulus polyether ether ketone (PEEK) fibers into a lithium-ion conducting poly(ethylene) oxide matrix to improve mechanical strength and lithium ion transport pathways. The composite solid polymer electrolyte (CSPE) achieved a significantly higher Young's modulus and successful cycling of Lithium metal batteries with high capacity retention. This approach provides a straightforward way to develop mechanically strong and highly conducting electrolytes for future batteries.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jaehoon Choi, Omid Zabihi, Russell J. Varley, Bronwyn Fox, Minoo Naebe
Summary: This study introduces a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) reinforced structural battery electrolyte (CSBE) system with both high ionic conductivity and mechanical performance. The optimized CSBE nanocomposite shows remarkable improvements in both ionic conductivity and thermal stability. By adding 2% of CNC, the carbon fiber composite achieved significant improvements in specific capacity and tensile strength.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Na-Yeong Kim, Ilgyu Kim, Behnoosh Bornamehr, Volker Presser, Hiroyuki Ueda, Ho-Jin Lee, Jun Young Cheong, Ji-Won Jung
Summary: A suitable interface between the electrode and electrolyte is crucial for stable electrochemical performance in Li-ion batteries. Recent research has focused on nanoengineering approaches to build a stable electrode-electrolyte interface, and this review presents and summarizes some of these advances. It also assesses the impact of each approach and explores future perspectives on their feasibility and practicality. Overall, this review provides valuable insights for the development of a nanoengineered interphase design, which is essential for high-performance, thermally stable Li-ion batteries.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Junyan Chen, Yang Zhou, Mohammad S. Islam, Xinying Cheng, Sonya A. Brown, Zhaojun Han, Andrew N. Rider, Chun H. Wang
Summary: The paper introduces a novel carbon fiber reinforced Zn-MnO2 structural composite battery with excellent tensile strength and high specific capacity, which can be easily manufactured and retains 88.3% capacity after 100 cycles.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jinrui Ye, Zhongbao Wang, Qin Lei, Lei Sun, Jinfeng Gu
Summary: Structural energy storage composites offer the advantage of combining structural strength and electrochemical properties. This research presents a simple method for fabricating a structural supercapacitor using modified carbon fiber electrodes and epoxy resin-based structural electrolytes, demonstrating their practical potential in energy storage applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hongliang Xie, Jiangyuan Feng, Hailei Zhao
Summary: Lithium metal batteries with different configurations, such as all-solid-state and full-liquid, are gaining attention as the most promising replacement for current Li-ion batteries due to their advantages in energy density, rate performance, safety, and service lifetime. However, there are still challenges, such as Li dendrite growth, parasitic chemical reactivity, and high operating temperature, that need to be addressed. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific progress, including fundamental understandings, technological innovations, and possible research directions, to facilitate the commercialization of Li metal batteries.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lei Zou, Kun Shi, Honglei Liu, Yong Wu, Tao Xu, Qiang Wang, Zhangxian Chen, Zeheng Yang, Ru Song, Jianhui Su, Weixin Zhang
Summary: A flexible and robust polymer-in-salt electrolyte based on a composite of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) has been developed for room-temperature lithium metal batteries. The PBI's rigid structure and dense hydrogen bonds with PEO enhance the structural stability of the electrolyte and suppress lithium dendrite growth. The thermal stability and fire resistance of the electrolyte have also been improved. The PEO-based polymer-in-salt electrolyte demonstrates high room temperature ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical window, and large lithium transference number, leading to improved cycling performance and rate capability in lithium-ion batteries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yong Zhang, Jirong Wang, Zhigang Xue
Summary: Lithium batteries are considered the best choice for energy storage due to their long lifespan, high operating voltage platform, and high energy density without memory effect. The increased demand for high-performance lithium batteries poses stricter requirements on electrode and electrolyte materials, as well as electrode-electrolyte interface. The artificial modification of battery components is regarded as an effective strategy to enhance overall performance, but systematic summaries of surface modifications are rare.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Biru Eshete Worku, Shumin Zheng, Bao Wang
Summary: This review summarizes the recent progress in improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) at low temperatures, including improvements in electrode materials, separators, electrolytes, and charging/discharging performance. Enhancing the electrochemical performance of LIBs at reduced temperatures poses challenges due to sluggish kinetics, insufficient ionic conductivity, and sluggish desolvation. The review recommends approaches such as employing solid polymer electrolytes, using highly conductive anodes, improving commercial cathodes, and introducing lithium-rich materials into separators to optimize the suitability of LIBs at low temperatures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Yanfang Xu, Weibang Lu, Guangbiao Xu, Tsu-Wei Chou
Summary: The concept of multifunctional hybrid composites has attracted significant research interest, particularly in the development of structural power composites such as structural supercapacitor (SSC) composites, which have the potential for applications in energy storage and structural load-bearing.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Muhammad Amirul Aizat Mohd Abdah, Muhammad Ramiey Rejab, Marliyana Mokhtar, Kamaruzzaman Sopian, Azizan Ahmad, Hassan Ahmoum, Paolo Scardi, Mohd Sukor Su'ait
Summary: This study synthesized Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) and prepared CZTS/Super P (R) active carbon electrodes, with a discharge capacity superior to other compositions, attributed to favorable pore size for charge carrier transport.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yanjun Xu, Shengzhao Zhang, Taibo Liang, Zhujun Yao, Xiuli Wang, Changdong Gu, Xinhui Xia, Jiangping Tu
Summary: Researchers have designed a solid-state electrolyte with flexibility and robustness to ensure stable lithium cycling and enhanced ionic conductivity. The electrolyte exhibits outstanding cycling performance in solid-state LiFePO4//Li batteries, with a Young's modulus of up to 1030 MPa, and can work well in harsh environments.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Philipp Stehle, Daniel Rutz, Ali M. Bazzoun, Dragoljub Vrankovic, Montaha Anjass
Summary: LiDFP has been found to improve the performance of Si-containing anodes in pouch cells, with a concentration of 1 wt% being the most optimal. Higher concentrations of LiDFP lead to the formation of a more beneficial SEI film, resulting in less degradation of electrolyte components and better maintenance of the anode microstructure.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xuezhi Zhang, Guixia Gao, Wei Wang, Jin Wang, Lina Wang, Tianxi Liu
Summary: This study proposes a secure gel polymer electrolyte that exhibits high oxidative stability and suppresses Li dendrite growth. By constructing a robust solid electrolyte interface (SEI) in Li-metal batteries, stable cycling and high Coulombic efficiency are achieved.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tianji Gao, Deping Xu, Zhihao Yu, Zheng-Hong Huang, Jie Cheng, Ying Yang
Summary: A 3D reinforced lithium metal composite anode with a nanostick structure was developed to suppress dendrite growth and volume expansion, achieving highly reversible lithium stripping plating and long cycle life. The innovative design has the potential to be a promising commercial Li metal anode with large capacity.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
You-Yong Wang, Yuan-Qing Li, Shan-Shan Xue, Wei-Bin Zhu, Xiang-Qian Wang, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: This study developed an ultrastrong and environmentally stable bamboo composite with excellent tensile strength, flexural strength, and toughness. The composite also showed an ultralow coefficient of thermal expansion and outstanding water resistance. These characteristics make it of great significance for practical engineering applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Fang-Liang Guo, Zi-Li Zhou, Tao Wu, Jin-Ming Hu, Yuan-Qing Li, Pei Huang, Ning Hu, Shao-Yun Fu, Yang Hong
Summary: This paper investigates the mechanical behaviors of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites under cryo-thermal cycling, exploring the roles of cycling number and period. It demonstrates intralaminar and interlaminar damage evolutions and provides a quantitative evaluation of mechanical degradations during cryo-thermal cycling, offering a method for composite design.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Zheng Sun, Fang-Liang Guo, Xiao-Peng Wu, Yuan-Qing Li, Wei Zeng, Qing Chen, Tao Huang, Pei Huang, Ya-Qin Fu, Xue-Ya Ma, Ning Hu, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different sizing treatments on the mechanical properties of short carbon fiber reinforced polyetherimide (PEI) composites. It was found that the hybrid GO-TPI sizing resulted in the highest reinforcement effectiveness, with temperature having a significant impact on the tensile strength of the composites. Additionally, numerical simulations and finite element modeling were used to analyze the interfacial properties and temperature-dependent mechanical behavior of the composites.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Guang-He Dong, Yu-Qin Mao, De-Yang Wang, Yuan-Qing Li, Shu-Feng Song, Chao-He Xu, Pei Huang, Ning Hu, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: In this study, a lithium metal structural battery (LMSB) with high discharge capacity and excellent mechanical properties was fabricated using a simple vacuum bagging process. The LMSB demonstrated reliable charge-discharge performances and had great potential for next-generation electric vehicles and electric aircraft.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Qing Chen, Yuan-Yuan Zhang, Pei Huang, Yuan-Qing Li, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a fast-developing method for 3D printing polymers and composites. This study focused on using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to improve the mechanical properties of 3D printed polyetherimide (PEI) composites. The results showed that the incorporation of CNTs significantly enhanced the bond strength and reduced porosity of the composites. Additionally, combining CNTs with annealing further improved the mechanical performance and reduced warping of the printed samples.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Shan-Shan Xue, Zhen-Hua Tang, Wei-Bin Zhu, Yuan-Qing Li, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: This article introduces a new strategy to significantly enhance the electrical and sensing performance of flexible strain sensors by tailoring the segregated conductive networks (SCNs) structure. By incorporating thermally expanded microspheres (TEMs) into CNT/Ecoflex composites and post-processing the internal microstructures, the SCNs are reconstituted, leading to greatly improved electrical conductivity, percolation threshold, and sensitivity. The post-processing concept presented here offers a universal technology platform for enhancing the performance of conducting polymer composites (CPCs) in practical applications.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ting Fan, Shan-Shan Xue, Wei-Bin Zhu, Yuan-Yuan Zhang, Yuan-Qing Li, Zhen-Kun Chen, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: A multifunctional nano-SiO2/CNT/STG@PU composite foam with excellent strain-sensing ability, superhydrophobicity, and outstanding anti-impact capability has been developed, showing promising applications in personal safety protection.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhen-Hua Tang, Wei-Bin Zhu, Yu-Qin Mao, Zi-Cai Zhu, Yuan-Qing Li, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: In this study, a mechanically robust and multiresponsive MXene-based actuator with a simple configuration, high mechanical strength, and low-power consumption was developed for soft robotics. The actuator utilizes the hygroexpansion of bacterial cellulose and the thermal expansion of biaxially oriented polypropylene to achieve high actuation performance. Unlike conventional single-mechanism actuators, this actuator provides a favorable architecture for dual-mechanism synergism, resulting in exceptionally reversible actuation performance. Furthermore, the actuator displays excellent long-distance photoresponsive property.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
You-Yong Wang, Fang-Liang Guo, Yuan-Qing Li, Wei-Bin Zhu, Yao Li, Pei Huang, Ning Hu, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: A transparent bamboo composite with high optical transparency and high tensile strength has been developed through lignin-modification and epoxy infiltration, providing superior overall performance compared to traditional glass.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zheng Sun, Fang-Liang Guo, Yuan-Qing Li, Jin-Ming Hu, Quan-Xiu Liu, Xiao-Long Mo, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of hybrid sizing agents on the mechanical properties of fiber reinforced polymer composites. The surfaces of short carbon fibers are modified using a mixture of polydopamine and carbon nanotubes as the sizing agents. Experimental tests and numerical analysis are conducted to elucidate the interfacial properties and reinforcing mechanisms of the composites. The results show that the hybrid sizing agents improve the interfacial properties and mechanical behaviors of the composites.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Cheng-Bing Qu, Hong-Mei Xiao, Gui-Wen Huang, Na Li, Meng Li, Fei Li, Yuan-Qing Li, Yu Liu, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: This study successfully modified epoxy resins with graphene oxide (GO) to manufacture carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites for cryogenic environments. The addition of GO improved the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and reduced the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the composites. Cryo-thermal cycling had an effect on the ILSS and CTE of the CF/GO-modified epoxy composites.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Guang-He Dong, Fang-Liang Guo, Zheng Sun, Yuan-Qing Li, Shu-Feng Song, Chao-He Xu, Pei Huang, Cheng Yan, Ning Hu, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: In this study, a carbon fiber-based structural battery with load-bearing and energy storage functions was successfully fabricated. By employing a unique electrolyte and matrix material, the battery achieved high performance while being compatible with conventional manufacturing processes. The battery exhibited high tensile strength, energy density, and capacity recovery after loading.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Zhen-Hua Tang, De-Yang Wang, Yuan-Qing Li, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: An analytical model based on excluded volume theory is developed to determine the synergistic percolation threshold of ternary CNT/graphene/polymer composites. The effects of filler aspect ratios and relative content ratio of CNTs to graphene on the synergistic percolation threshold are examined through parametric studies. The validity of the model is demonstrated through comparisons with existing experimental data.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Guang-He Dong, Yu-Qin Mao, Yuan-Qing Li, Pei Huang, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: This article introduces a self-supporting 3D MXene-Carbon nanotubes-Cellulose-LiFePO4 (3D-MCC-LFP) cathode, which offers higher capacity, faster transport, and better electrochemical performance compared to traditional LFP cathodes.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zheng-Xin Li, Xing-Yu Gao, Pei Huang, Yuan-Qing Li, Shao-Yun Fu
Summary: In this study, a novel wearable pressure sensor with an ultrawide detection range is proposed by introducing temperature-stimulated epoxy into the porous carbonized melamine foam/silicone system. The sensor exhibits a high compressive modulus at lower temperatures and decreases significantly at higher temperatures, allowing for enhanced sensitivity and a broad detection range. The sensor also demonstrates an ultrawide detection range through the electrothermal effect and has been proven suitable for monitoring various motions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
