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Structural engineering for electrochemical energy conversion: From mechanisms and materials to fiber-assembled actuators
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DOI：10.1016/j.jechem.2026.07.025.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Electrochemical actuators convert electrical energy directly into mechanical work, enabling applications in soft robotics and biomedical devices. In these devices, structural design governs ion transport, charge distribution, and the resulting mechanical output. Despite significant progress, the relationship between structural design and device performance has not been systematically examined across different electrochemical energy conversion systems. This review examines electrochemical actuators from a structural design perspective, covering actuation mechanisms, material systems, and fiber-based integration. Three actuation mechanisms are analyzed: redox, electric double layer, and synergistic. Their inherent limitations are discussed, along with their parallels to charge storage processes in batteries and supercapacitors. Conductive polymers are discussed through their application domains. Emerging two-dimensional materials and porous frameworks are examined through five structural engineering strategies. Five structural engineering pathways are identified: interlayer spacing modulation, heterointerface construction, protective interface design, three-dimensional (3D) network assembly, and ordered nanochannel engineering. These strategies are also relevant to electrode design in batteries and supercapacitors. Building directly on these mechanisms and structural strategies, fiber-assembled actuators are then examined as the configuration in which these principles are brought together and expressed across multiple length scales. The analysis traces their implementation from individual yarn actuators to hierarchically assembled textiles and 3D mesh networks. The review articulates the principle of synergistic material-structure-function design, identifies persistent challenges, and proposes milestones for future development.
Keywords:
Electrochemical energy conversion
Ion transport
Hierarchical structures
Structural engineering
Electroactive materials
Soft robotics
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14.9
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6.0K
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4.5W
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