Development of Sustainable, Multifunctional, Advanced and Smart Hybrid Solid-State Electrolyte for Structural Battery Composites

Abstract

The incremental energy demand exacerbates the global warming issues. One of the main triggering factors for this raising global warming is the transportation sector which causes around 30% of the world’s emission. However, EU is facing several obstacles to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by the transportation sector. Among these, safety concern in clean technologies is considered the bottleneck to implement emission free technology in transportation sector. Evaluating this obstacle, it was envisaged to run cars with electric power by the rotational power from the electric motor and avoiding the power from internal combustion (IC) engine. Hydrogen (H2) powered IC engine emits airborne pollutants like other IC engines. To resolve this issue, H2 powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) ensures the clean and emission free transportation dreams into reality. The enormous merits of FCEV including zero emission, faster fueling, noise free drive, economy and higher efficiency (⁓ 60%) are however restricted mainly due to the storage and safety challenges associated with the H2. The Robert Gordon University supported Catalyst Fund project addresses the existing challenges in designing a safe and smart material development for H2 storage tank by adopting innovative technologies for: (a) enhancing volumetric mass of H2 under pressurized condition; (b) a light weight energy storage by further expanding storage of electrochemical energy in structural component without carrying any physical battery; (c) continuous monitoring of damage or leakage due to fatigue/impact; and (d) detection of accumulated moisture hazard well in advance before it causes any unwanted accidents. A composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) as a solid-state electrolyte (SSE) utilizing Li, La, Zr -oxide (LLZO) nanofiber has been synthesized, and the multifunctional property of this new LLZO reinforced CPE is thoroughly under investigation now. The synthesis process and the initial study results are highlighted here. However, the intervening capability of this smart vessel material is the unique characteristic which is missing in the current state-of-the-art technologies. This report initiates this proof of concept in relation to comprehensive integrated power and safety features of H2 pressure vessel which will overcome the obstacles faced by the current FCEV technology and fostering emission free transportation.