Recent development and progress of structural energy devices

In order to fully replace the traditional fossil energy supply system, the efficiency of electrochemical energy conversion and storage of new energy technology needs to be continuously improved to enhance its market competitiveness. The structural design of energy devices can achieve satisfactory energy conversion and storage performance. To achieve lightweight design, improve mechanical support, enhance electrochemical performance, and adapt to the special shape of the device, the structural energy devices develop very quickly. To help researchers analyze the development and get clear on developing trend, this review is prepared. This review summarizes the latest developments in structural energy devices, including special attention to fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, lithium metal batteries, and supercapacitors. Finally, the existing problems of structural energy devices are discussed, and the current challenges and future opportunities are summarized and prospected. Structural energy devices can undoubtedly overcome the performance bottlenecks of traditional energy devices, break the limitations of existing materials and structures, and provide a guidance for the development of equipment with high performance, light weight and low cost in the future. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.