Bio-Derived Nanocarbon for Multifunctional Structural Energy Storage Systems: Materials, Trade-Off Engineering, and Analytical Design Frameworks
Keywords:
Bio derived carbon, Composite materials, Mechanical–Electrochemical Coupling, Structural energy storage, SupercapacitorsAbstract
Structural energy storage composites have emerged as promising multifunctional materials capable of simultaneously providing mechanical load bearing and electrochemical energy storage functions for applications in aerospace, transportation, and portable electronics. This review examines the potential of bio derived nanocarbon as a sustainable functional phase in such systems, with emphasis on the trade offs between stiffness, interlaminar integrity, ionic transport, and energy storage performance. An analytical design envelope framework is proposed to support comparative architectural selection by highlighting feasible regions within the modulus–capacitance design space that balance structural and electrochemical requirements. A comparative assessment of matrix dispersion, interleaf reinforcement, and fibre surface functionalisation strategies indicates that localised incorporation of bio derived nanocarbon can improve the balance between electrochemical performance and structural integrity. The review further discusses the influence of biomass conversion and activation processes on pore development, surface area, resin infiltration behaviour, and mechanical stability. Current approaches for improving electrolyte stiffness and interface durability, including phase separated polymer systems, inorganic reinforcement strategies, and multifunctional electrolyte architectures, are also evaluated. Sustainability considerations involving renewable feedstocks, lightweighting potential, and lifecycle extension are examined alongside challenges related to scalability, standardisation, and mechanochemical reliability. The study provides a structured analytical perspective for the development of sustainable multifunctional structural energy storage materials and identifies key priorities for future experimental, modelling, and computational validation.
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