Electrochemical energy storage device through fused filament fabrication: mechanical, electrical, and thermal characterisation
摘要
This work explores the role of energy storage technologies, particularly electrochemical energy storage devices (EESD), in converting and storing electric energy for diverse applications. Recent advancements in EESD fabrication focus on unconventional shapes and structures, with additive manufacturing emerging as a promising approach. Specifically, material extrusion processes like fused filament fabrication (FFF) offer advantages such as cost reduction, rapid prototyping, intricate 3D compositions, and enhanced performance. This novel approach comprehensively investigates the mechanical (tensile, compression, impact, and flexural strength), electrical (electrical conduction), and thermal (thermal transition and thermogravimetric behaviour) characterisation of the developed PLA and its sixteen composite filament materials fabricated via FFF. The composites are developed with PLA as the base thermoplastic matrix and different combinations of additives, including carbon fibres, graphene nanoplatelets, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, lithium titanate oxide, and lithium manganese oxide. Through experimentation and analysis, this research aims to deepen the understanding of how additives influence material behaviour, thus laying the groundwork for enhanced design and application in the field of EESD. Additionally, by identifying key filament materials for anode, cathode, and separator, followed by the fabrication, assembly, and testing of EESD prototypes, this work provides tangible proof of concept for the practicality and efficacy of the findings. After the first 60 cycles, the fabricated EESD maintained an average Coulombic efficiency of over 90% and an average discharge capacity of 4.16mAh/cm3.