Multifunctional composites for energy storage and conversion based on carbon fabrics

Abstract

This study focuses on multifunctional composites with nanowires grown on the carbon fabric and applying them to energy storage and conversion applications. The carbon fabric is flexible in itself and exhibits excellent electrical conductivity and can function as a three-dimensional substrate. The successive hydrothermal-synthesis method was used to grow conductive core-shell nanowires on carbon fabric, which is applied to be an electro-catalyst for water oxidation. The as-developed catalyst led to low overpotential and Taefel slope. Furthermore, the multifunctional composites were fabricated based on the carbon fabric with an excellent specific strength and stiffness. The multifunctional composites are in a complete solid phase, which can perform energy storage function and load-bearing function at the same time. Carbon fabric based electrode was used as reinforcement material. The electrochemical and mechanical characterizations were carried out, respectively. The electrochemical and mechanical characterizations were carried out, respectively. As-developed multifunctional composites showed that stable charging-discharging capability under tensile and bending loads. In addition, three-dimensional self-assembled nanocomposites based on the nitrogen doped graphene were developed and applied as an anode material in lithium ion batteries.