Initial study of the microstructure of carbon fibres acting as negative electrodes in structural battery composites

Paper in proceeding, 2016

Structural composite batteries are a novel type of multifunctional devices, which have a great potential to remarkably reduce the mass of electric vehicles, and thus increase their energy efficiency. In these batteries, carbon fibres (Carbon fibres) play dual roles: reinforcements (as in CARBON FIBRE composites) and negative electrodes (as in batteries). However, the relationship between the microstructure and the electrochemical property of the Carbon fibres is not well understood. In this study, the microstructure of two Carbon fibres, M60J and IMS65, were studied by using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Detailed microstructural features were revealed, and correlated to the electrochemical properties of the Carbon fibres. The more disordered microstructure, and rather large pores are the reasons for the better electrochemical properties of IMS65 compared to M60J.