Multifunctional Energy Storage and Conversion Devices

TLDR

Multifunctional energy storage and conversion devices that integrate smart features such as self‑healability, electrochromism, shape memory, photodetection, and thermal responsivity represent a radical advance for consumer products, but their development faces challenges in materials, design, and performance. The authors outline key future directions to broaden the application of these smart energy devices. They review current state‑of‑the‑art examples, fabrication strategies, and performance metrics, and discuss challenges and potential solutions from synthesis to device operation.

Abstract

Multifunctional energy storage and conversion devices that incorporate novel features and functions in intelligent and interactive modes, represent a radical advance in consumer products, such as wearable electronics, healthcare devices, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, smart household, and space satellites, etc. Here, smart energy devices are defined to be energy devices that are responsive to changes in configurational integrity, voltage, mechanical deformation, light, and temperature, called self‐healability, electrochromism, shape memory, photodetection, and thermal responsivity. Advisable materials, device designs, and performances are crucial for the development of energy electronics endowed with these smart functions. Integrating these smart functions in energy storage and conversion devices gives rise to great challenges from the viewpoint of both understanding the fundamental mechanisms and practical implementation. Current state‐of‐art examples of these smart multifunctional energy devices, pertinent to materials, fabrication strategies, and performances, are highlighted. In addition, current challenges and potential solutions from materials synthesis to device performances are discussed. Finally, some important directions in this fast developing field are considered to further expand their application.