Design and Manufacture of 3D-Printed Batteries

Summary 3D-printed batteries have emerged as a class of unique energy storage devices with outstanding features of microscale dimensions and aesthetic diversity, which are vital to miniaturized and customized electronics. Understanding 3D printing designs in battery materials and architectures is key to optimize performance and realize the customization of 3D-printed batteries. In this Review, we summarize the latest advances in 3D-printed batteries with respect to the connection between printable materials and printing techniques as well as the rational design considerations. We first introduce unique features of 3D printing techniques, subsequently focusing on the printable battery modules and general approaches to making them printable. Thereafter, we examine the prominent roles of 3D printing designs in the module architectures, battery configurations, and effective solutions that help resolve issues that hamper batteries’ performance. We conclude by discussing further research directions in terms of functional materials, advanced printing technologies, and new device designs.