Safety And Fire Reaction Of Structural Power Storage Devices

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In the world where we thrive to improve quality of life, the quest to develop more efficient devices which also can provide additional value, for example volume (space) or/and weight savings continues. One approach allowing achievement of the volume/weight savings is the creation of smart structures, where monofunctional devices, for example sensors, actuators or batteries are sandwiched together with structural materials. However, the savings achieved this way are very modest. Another approach is to manufacture devices from the materials which can perform two functions simultaneously, i.e. multifunctional materials. It should be noted that there are similarities between power storage devices and fibre reinforced polymer composites, for example, the electrode arrangement in the power storage devices and specifically in supercapacitors is similar to laminated architecture of fibre reinforced composite. Moreover, both devices use carbon based reinforcements/electrodes infused with a polymeric matrix/electrolyte. This project is directed at establishing a new international collaboration to investigate the important questions related to the safety and fire performance properties of structural supercapacitors between DU, one of the UK's leading Universities, and the University de Poitiers, one of the oldest Universities in Europe with strong links to CNRS. Experimental work, to be carried out in the laboratory of Prof Rogaume (University de Poitiers), will form a basis for this long-term collaboration. The complementary combined contributions and expertise of the academics involved will address and answer important questions regarding the thermal performance and safety of structural electrolytes and multifunctional/structural supercapacitors, using thermal decomposition in an oxidative media as a basis. Structural/multifunctional supercapacitors are devices which may simultaneously store energy and withstand mechanical load, a rapidly developing research topic since multifunctional devices can provide significant weight and volume savings - for example in the automotive and aerospace sectors. The applicant possesses extensive expertise in the synthesis and characterisation of one of the important components of the structural supercapacitor, namely the structural electrolyte. To date, characterisation of the structural electrolytes has focused on their microstructure, electrochemical performance and mechanical properties, since these are the essential for the optimisation of the electrolyte formulation. However, as structural electrolytes mature, their safety and fire reaction, i.e. a flame spread, flammability and release of fumes and smoke) must be thoroughly investigated. While the thermal stability and degradation of the individual components, such as epoxy based fibre reinforced composites and ionic liquids (used as an electrolyte) are already well researched, no work has been carried out on the final structural electrolyte as well as structural supercapacitors. This study is important as the impact caused by fire cannot be overestimate, especially where people are involved. In all potential applications, structural supercapacitors are closely linked to people, whether they are used as a part of a hybrid/electrical car, aircraft or a case for a laptop / tablet. From this perspective it is very important to know, not only whether or not a device will burst into flames but also what will happen if it is subjected to fire; and what gaseous product would form as a result - knowledge of which is crucial to assessing the associated health hazards. The purpose of the project is to provide preliminary and informative answers to these important questions.