Achieving mechanically sturdy properties and high energy density for Zn-ion structural batteries based on carbon-fiber-reinforced composites

The composites structural batteries obtain more and more attention for lightweight in vehicles and aircraft, which needs the structural batteries to have outstanding mechanical properties and electrochemical perfor-mance, simultaneously. Herein, the lightweight carbon fiber reinforced Zn-ion structural battery was developed by the vacuum infusion layup process in the open-air environment. The fabricated composites structural devices exhibited a high tensile strength of 179.5 MPa and flexural strength of 229.6 MPa, suggesting the excellent stiffness of the structural battery. Furthermore, the composites Zn-ion structural battery realized a discharge specific capacity of 155 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1) and a corresponding energy density of 205 Wh kg(-1). The relatively high capacity retention of 85.3% was also achieved after 300 cycles at 1 A g(-1). This work will inspire more research works to develop safe structural batteries with high energy density.