In order to deploy renewable energy sources for balanced power generation and
consumption, batteries are crucial. The large weight and significant drain on
the energy efficiency of conventional batteries urge the development of
structural batteries storing electrical energy in load-bearing structural
components. With the current shift to a green economy and growing demand for
batteries, it is increasingly important to find sustainable solutions for
structural batteries as well. Sustainable structural batteries (SSBs) have
strong attraction due to their lightweight, design flexibility, high energy
efficiency, and reduced impact on the environment. Along with sustainability,
these structural batteries increase volumetric energy density, resulting in a
20% increase in efficiency and incorporate energy storage capabilities with
structural components, realizing the concept of massless energy storage.
However, the significant problems in commercializing SSBs are associated with
their discharge cycles, raw materials, cost, and safety. To overcome these
issues, exploring the different structural batteries in the context of
sustainable manufacturing, applications, challenges, and current research for
SSBs is essential. Hence, in this study, the different aspects of structural
batteries regarding sustainability and future development, especially in
transportation applications, are reviewed.
