Structural supercapacitors: A mini-review of their fabrication, mechanical & electrochemical properties

Growing demand for rapid and durable energy storage solutions in portable electronics and electric vehicles has led to the development of structural supercapacitors (SSCs), which are now a significant field of research. SSCs are able to combine high specific capacitance, with mechanical strength, making them an attractive option for portable devices, electric vehicles, and the aerospace industry. Previously, considerable research attention was directed toward materials development and electrode synthesis; however, more recently, SSC manufacturing has been focused on the application of composite materials and associated processing techniques such as liquid composite molding (LCM), which can improve certain device properties. This paper reviews the current research and provides a comprehensive overview of the fabrication of high-performance SSC components, including electrodes (reinforcing fibers) and electrolytes (matrix), with improved mechanical and electrochemical properties. Adopting a mechanical engineering perspective, this study highlights the importance of the fabrication process, and reiterates the need for a series of standardized sets of tests for mechanical and electrochemical properties, without which, optimization and test comparisons will be challenging. This will not only improve the development and optimization R&D pathway, but also reveal alternative structural applications. Making sure future SSCs meet a desired performance metrics will provide important safety limitation data. Finally, this paper also discussed SSC manufacturing processes as they relate to dimensions and mechanical performance. By considering all relevant parameters, this review provided valuable insights for future SSC research.