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  • Energized Composites for Electric Vehicles: A Dual Function Energy‐Storing Supercapacitor‐Based Carbon Fiber Composite for the Body Panels
Title: Energized Composites for Electric Vehicles: A Dual Function Energy‐Storing Supercapacitor‐Based Carbon Fiber Composite for the Body Panels
Abstract The current electric vehicles (EVs) face many challenges like limited charge capacity, low miles/charge, and long charging times. Herein, these issues are addressed by developing a dual‐function supercapacitor‐based energy‐storing carbon fiber reinforced polymer (e‐CFRP) that can store electrical energy and function as the structural component for the EV's body shell. This is achieved by developing a unique design, vertically aligned graphene sheets attached to carbon fiber electrodes on which different metal oxides are deposited to obtain high‐energy density electrodes. A high‐strength multilayer e‐CFRP assembly is fabricated using an alternate layer patterning configuration of epoxy and polyacrylamide gel electrolyte. The e‐CFRP so developed delivers a high areal energy density of 0.31 mWh cm–2at 0.3 mm thickness and a high tensile strength of 518 MPa, bending strength of 477 MPa, and impact strength of 2666 J m–1. To show its application in EVs, a toy car's body panel is fabricated with e‐CFRP and the toy car is able to operate using the energy stored in its frame. Moreover, when integrated with a solar cell, this composite powers an Internet of Things device, showing its feasibility in communication satellites.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2122779
PAR ID:
10367283
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Small
Volume:
18
Issue:
9
ISSN:
1613-6810
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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