Laminated structural batteries present a transformativesolution to reducing weight constraints in electric vehicles. Thesestructural batteries are based on a multifunctional material thatincorporates an energy storage function within a carbon fiberreinforced polymer. Despite the potential of this technology, theintricate morphology of fiber−matrix or electrode−electrolyteinterfaces and the impact of long-term cycling at low current rates(C-rates) on these interfaces remain insufficiently understood. Thisstudy addresses these critical knowledge gaps by examining theinfluence of matrix composition on the long-term electrochemicalperformance of structural battery electrodes and exploring advancedtechniques to investigate carbon fiber−matrix interfaces. Localizedimaging and X-ray scattering techniques were used to characterizemorphological changes at the electrode−electrolyte interfaces by analyzing negative structural electrodes. The findings revealed thatthe matrix composition influences long-term electrochemical behavior and fiber−matrix interface formation. While the intrinsicproperties of carbon fibers largely remain unaffected by long-term cycling, cycling promotes debonding at fiber−matrix interfaces.Nonetheless, residual regions of adhesion persist, underscoring the potential for preserving multifunctionality even under prolongedcycling conditions. These insights advance the understanding of interface dynamics, which is critical for optimizing structural batterytechnologies.
Schneider et al. (Wed,) studied this question.