Energy storaging multifunctional carbon fiber composites based on Nano‐SiO2 reinforced epoxy matrix structural electrolytes

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2025-02, Vol.142 (5), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Yu, Benyuan, Wang, Zhongbao, Sun, Jie, Li, Jialiang, Lei, Xin, Li, Shichao, Sun, Tao, Wu, Zhanjun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerospace vehicles; Carbon fiber reinforced plastics; Carbon fibers; Composite materials; electrochemistry; Electrolytes; Energy storage; Fiber composites; Ion currents; Mechanical properties; Modulus of elasticity; Molten salt electrolytes; polyelectrolytes; Polymers; resins; Silicon dioxide; Solid electrolytes; structure–property relationships; Supercapacitors; thermosets
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.56428

Multifunctional carbon fiber composite materials capable of storing energy and carrying structural loads have advantages for aerospace structures. In this paper, a structural supercapacitor that consists of an epoxy‐based solid polymer electrolytes (E‐SPEs) and carbon fiber was proposed. To develop an E‐SPEs with better mechanical properties and ionic conductivity, Nano‐SiO2 was introduced into the solid polymer electrolytes. Nano‐SiO2 reinforced E‐SPEs (Nano‐SiO2/E‐SPEs) show improved mechanical properties (Young's modulus [E] = 0.85 GPa) and ionic conductivity (4.99 × 10−4 S cm−1), compared to E‐SPEs without Nano‐SiO2. Structural supercapacitors were further prepared by combining E‐SPEs with carbon fibers. The structural supercapacitor prepared with Nano‐SiO2/E‐SPEs exhibits the higher power and energy density (261.93 W kg−1 and 2.11 Wh kg−1) compared to the structural supercapacitor prepared with E‐SPEs without Nano‐SiO2 (51 W kg−1 and 0.34 Wh kg−1), indicating improved mechanical and energy storage properties for structural supercapacitors after incorporation of Nano‐SiO2. This strategy has great potential in enhancing performance of structural energy storage composite materials for application in next‐generation aerospace vehicles. Preparation and characterization of resin solid electrolyte and structural capatior.