Advancing multifunctional carbon fibre composites: the role of nanomaterials in boosting electrochemical performance for energy storage

Carbon fibre composites (CFCs) hold significant promise for energy storage and harvesting applications owing to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and structural versatility, but their electrochemical performance is constrained by inherent limitations such as low surface area and restricted ion transport pathways. This review examines how strategic integration of nanomaterials—including graphene, carbon nanotubes and MXenes—can overcome these challenges by enhancing surface reactivity, improving electrical conductivity and facilitating efficient ion diffusion, thereby enabling high-performance multifunctional composites. We discuss key advances in nanomaterial-incorporated CFCs for structural batteries and supercapacitors, where tailored interfaces and hierarchical architectures contribute to superior energy and power densities, as well as their emerging role in integrated energy harvesting systems that combine energy storage with triboelectric, piezoelectric or thermoelectric conversion capabilities. The analysis further addresses critical manufacturing challenges related to nanomaterial dispersion, interfacial bonding and scalable processing, while evaluating solutions such as advanced deposition techniques and hybrid material designs. By systematically reviewing both fundamental mechanisms and practical considerations, this work provides insights into the development of next-generation smart composites that simultaneously achieve mechanical robustness and advanced electrochemical functionality for applications ranging from wearable electronics to electric vehicles and aerospace systems.