Advancing structural batteries: cost-efficient high-performance carbon fiber-coated LiFePO₄ cathodes

Structural batteries (SBs) have gained attention due to their ability to provide energy storage and structural support in vehicles and airplanes, using carbon fibers (CFs) as their main component. However, the development of high-performance carbon fiber-based cathode materials for structural batteries is currently limited. To address this issue, this study proposes a cost-efficient and straightforward method for creating a high-performance structural lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) positive electrode by coating carbon fibers at mild temperatures and pressures. The resulting cathode demonstrated a high LiFePO₄ loading (at least 74%) and a smooth coating, as confirmed by X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. This structural cathode exhibited a capacity of 144 mA h g^-1 and 108 mA h g^-1 at 0.1 C and 1.0 C, respectively. Additionally, the LiFePO₄ cathode displayed excellent electrochemical properties, with a capacity retention of 96.4% at 0.33 C and 81.2% at 1.0 C after 300 cycles. Overall, this study presents a promising approach for fabricating high-performance structural batteries with enhanced energy storage and structural capabilities.