Direct Ink Writing of Moldable Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices: Ongoing Progress, Challenges, and Prospects

Among the advanced additive manufacturing technologies, direct ink writing (DIW) technology is extensively utilized to fabricate various energy storage devices (i.e., batteries, supercapacitors [SCs], and solar cells) due to its excellent process flexibility, excellent geometric controllability, as well as relative low-cost and efficient processes. DIW offers a convenient way to build 3D structures for energy storage devices and provide higher power density and energy density in comparison with traditional casting techniques. Herein, the recent advances in DIW for emerging energy storage devices, including SCs, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, rechargeable lithium metal batteries, and solid-state batteries, are emphasized and discussed. The significant achievements made developing printed energy storage devices, such as printing ink materials, designing the printing process, and the great progress in terms of the corresponding electrochemical performances, are also highlighted. Finally, the major challenges and potential research possibilities in 3D printing energy storage device are proposed. It can be expected that, as 3D printing technology develops, batteries and SCs with durable lifespans, favorable safety, as well as high energy density and power density will eventually be utilized in many fields.

Automated summary

Direct ink writing (DIW) technology is extensively utilized in fabricating energy storage devices due to its excellent process flexibility and geometric controllability, offering higher power density and energy density compared to traditional casting techniques. Recent advances in DIW for emerging energy storage devices, such as SCs, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, rechargeable lithium metal batteries, and solid-state batteries, as well as the challenges and potential research possibilities are discussed. It is expected that with the development of 3D printing technology, batteries and SCs with durable lifespans, favorable safety, high energy density, and power density will be widely utilized in various fields.