Abstract: A battery device includes a cathode current collector and an anode current collector. A fibrous electrode forms a structure defining a plurality of pores. A first portion of the fibrous electrode is in contact with a current collector. An electrolytic polymer is electrodeposited on the fibrous electrode to provide substantial uniform coverage of fibers forming the fibrous electrode. A plurality of electrode particles are disposed within the plurality of pores and separated from the fibrous electrode by the electrolytic polymer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional battery can include a three-dimensional porous carbon foam base and an anode current collector bonded to and in electrical communication with a first region of the base. The three-dimensional battery can also include an electrolyte layer disposed over the three-dimensional porous carbon foam base and a cathode current collector bonded to and in electrical communication with a second region of the three-dimensional porous carbon foam base.

Abstract: A battery device includes a cathode current collector and an anode current collector. A fibrous electrode forms a structure defining a plurality of pores. A first portion of the fibrous electrode is in contact with a current collector. An electrolytic polymer is electrodeposited on the fibrous electrode to provide substantial uniform coverage of fibers forming the fibrous electrode. A plurality of electrode particles are disposed within the plurality of pores and separated from the fibrous electrode by the electrolytic polymer.

Abstract: Fiber structures that include a catalytic material are provided. The fiber structures (e.g., membranes) may be formed of interconnected carbon fibers. The catalytic material may be in the form of nanosize particles supported on the fibers. In one method of the invention, the structures are produced by electrospinning a polymeric material fiber structure that is subsequently converted to a carbon fiber structure in a heat treatment step which also causes the catalytic material particles to nucleate on the carbon fibers and grow to a desired size. The catalytic material may be uniformly distributed across the carbon fiber structure and the amount of catalytic material may be controlled. These factors may enhance catalytic performance and/or enable using less catalytic material for equivalent catalytic performance which can lead to cost savings, amongst other advantages. The fiber structures may be used in a variety of applications including electrodes in batteries and fuel cells.