Eric Jacques, a researcher in vehicle and aerospace engineering at KTH, says carbon fibre can fill two functions in an electric car: as a lightweight composite reinforcement material for the car’s body, and as an active electrode in lithium ion batteries.

“The objective of our research was to develop a structural battery consisting of multifunctional lightweight materials that simultaneously manage mechanical loads, and store electrical energy,” explained Eric Jacques, a researcher in Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering at KTH. “This can result in a weight reduction for electric vehicles.”

Jacques sees carbon fiber offering a viable alternative to graphite. Lithium can be inserted into the carbon fibre microstructure and the carbon fiber acts as a good conductor. The carbon fibre which the KTH researchers have worked with is light and has a continuous structure and excellent mechanical properties.

“The research project has demonstrated very good results, but we have some work to do before we can display finished batteries,” admitted Jacques.

The project is run as a partnership between three professors at KTH: Göran Lindbergh, Chemical Engineering; Mats Johansson, Fibre and Polymer Technology; and Dan Zenkert, Aeronautical and Vehicle Engineering. The research is done in cooperation with Swerea SICOMP and Luleå Insitute of Technology.

Johansson says the work is about improving the mechanical properties of batteries – so that it not only stores energy but is part of the design.

“For example, the hood of the car could be part of the battery,” suggested Johansson, adding that similar consolidation of battery and structural material could be used in mobile phones and other battery-operated devices.

Related articles and links:

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