Traditional Batteries Research Articles

Innovations in Energy Through Nanomaterials Enhancing Solid-State Battery Safety and Efficacy

The development of solid-state batteries (SSBs) represents a significant advancement in energy storage technology, addressing the limitations of traditional liquid electrolyte batteries, such as safety concerns and efficiency issues. However, SSBs face challenges including rigid solid-to-solid contacts, poor interfacial stability, and suboptimal performance across temperature ranges. This paper explores the role of nanotechnology in enhancing the performance and safety of SSBs. It highlights the applications of nanomaterials, such as nano-composites, nano-coatings, and embedded nanoparticles, which improve ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal management. The paper also discusses the challenges of commercializing nanotechnology in SSBs, including high production costs and regulatory hurdles. Despite these challenges, nanotechnology offers promising solutions for increasing the energy density and cycle life of SSBs, making them viable for applications in electric vehicles and consumer electronics. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research directions, emphasizing the need for continued innovation to fully realize the potential of SSBs in various industries.

Research Progress on Solid-state Electrolyte Interface Problems in Lithium-ion Batteries

Nowadays, compared with traditional liquid batteries, solid-state batteries have the superiorities of higher energy density, power density and safety due to their solid electrolytes. However, a series of interfacial problems at solid-solid interface have always hindered the further development of solid-state batteries. Based on these problems, this paper firstly introduces the types of solid-state batteries and interface, secondly describes the mechanical failure principles of cathode interface and anode interface, and finally elaborates the corresponding modification strategies for cathode interface and anode interface. By adopting various improved measures for these interfacial problems, the progress of wider commercialization of solid-state batteries can be facilitated.

Nanostructured Solid Electrolytes for Enhanced Safety and Performance of Battery Materials

Solid-state batteries (SSB) have garnered significant attention by reason of their potential advantages over traditional liquid electrolyte batteries, including higher energy density, enhanced safety, and reduced volume. However, the development and implementation of solid electrolytes confront several challenges, such as lower ionic conductivity, dendrite formation, and interface stability issues. This review explores the current advancements in solid electrolytes (SLs), with a focus on nanostructured materials, including solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), solid inorganic electrolytes (SIEs), and composite solid electrolytes (CSEs). The review highlights the benefits of nanostructuring in improving mechanical intensity, ionic conductivity and thermostability. Key methods for synthesizing nanostructured solid electrolytes (NSLs), such as the sol-gel method and 3D printing, are discussed. Additionally, the review addresses critical challenges, including the high cost of materials and manufacturing processes, and proposes future research directions to overcome these barriers. The purpose is to comprehensively understand the current status and future potential of NSL in promoting SSB technology.

Lithium‑sulfur batteries for next-generation automotive power batteries carbon emission assessment and sustainability study in China

The rise of electric vehicles has ushered in a revolution in the automotive industry, propelling the global automotive sector towards sustainable development. However, considerable controversy persists regarding the comprehensive performance of electric vehicle batteries and their environmental impact. The development of next-generation power batteries, aimed at enhancing energy storage performance while mitigating environmental consequences, has become a focal point of research in this field. Lithium‑sulfur batteries (LSBs), with their innovative structural design and environmentally friendly materials, not only enhance energy storage performance but also harbor significant environmental potential. When coupled with an all-solid-state battery structure, the all-solid-state lithium‑sulfur battery (A-LSB) demonstrates even more superior performance. This combination represents an ideal next-generation power battery for automotive applications, offering heightened efficiency and environmental sustainability. This study conducts a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) to examine the environmental performance, particularly carbon emissions, during the production processes of LSBs and A-LSBs in the Chinese region. The primary objective is to uncover the potential for sustainable development in the future of lithium‑sulfur battery technologies. During the research process, we conducted comparative validation by comparing with traditional ternary lithium-ion batteries (NCM) and lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP). Experimental setups were designed to simulate both laboratory and industrial production scenarios, with a primary focus on analyzing the sustainable performance of LSB and A-LSB. The results indicate that, compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, both LSB and A-LSB exhibit lower carbon emissions and superior environmental performance, with A-LSB showing particular promise. However, A-LSB demonstrates higher sensitivity to environmental impacts, displaying significant variations before and after industrial production. Additionally, it exhibits a greater dependency on regional resources and energy structures. In contrast, LSB displays better regional adaptability.

Molybdenum-doping to enhance the deprotonation ability of nickel-based hydroxide electrocatalysts for ethanol oxidation

With technological advancements, the practical application of ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) is becoming increasingly promising, yet the need for higher ethanol concentrations highlights the growing importance of the deprotonation ability (Ni2+ to Ni3+) of the catalyst. The deprotonation ability is the key step for nickel-based catalysts in EOR, as it is essential for Ni2+ to continuously undergo deprotonation to transform into Ni3+ in order to maintain the continuous EOR. Herein, we developed Mo-doped Ni(OH)2 nanosheets by a hydrothermal method. The Mo-doped Ni(OH)2 nanosheets show excellent EOR performance due to the high valence doping of Mo, the onset potential of the oxidation peak (Ni2+ to Ni3+) appears at a position with a small overpotential,. The in-situ Raman spectroscopy technique further characterized the increase in NiOOH in the process of EOR. The Mo-doped Ni(OH)2 nanocomposite catalyst facilitates the oxidation of Ni2+ into Ni3+. Based on the above theoretical guidance, Mo-doped Fe/Ni(OH)2 nanosheets was designed and synthesized. The outstanding EOR performance of the Mo-Fe/Ni(OH)2-3 showed a potential of 1.352 V at 10 mA cm−2. The catalyst was used to design three-electrode reversible zinc-ethanol-air battery (T-RZEAB), which effectively overcomes the opposing kinetic and thermodynamic requirements for EOR and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts in the oxygen electrode. The charging voltage of T-RZEAB with Mo-Fe/Ni(OH)2-3 is 240 mV lower than that of a traditional zinc-air battery at 25 mA cm−2.

A biomacromolecular additive based on pullulan polysaccharide to enhance the life of lead-acid battery packs in DC systems

Abstract With the rapid growth in demand for mobile power, lead-acid batteries still occupy a large market share due to their excellence in energy storage. However, their lifespan is affected by various factors, which limits the application efficiency and environmental friendliness. In this regard, this paper proposes a method to enhance the service life of lead-acid battery packs by applying biomacromolecule additives. A lead-acid battery pack modification method is investigated by introducing chitosan, a natural macromolecule with excellent electrical conductivity and biodegradation properties, into lead-acid batteries. So that the chitosan-modified material forms a stable and protective film on the surface of the battery electrode plate, thereby reducing the analysis of sulphate crystals on the electrode surface. The method of modification of lead-acid battery packs has been studied. Comparative analysis of the experimental data shows that the modified battery pack exhibits lower charge transfer impedance and better electrochemical stability than the traditional lead-acid battery during the cyclic charge/discharge test. Through the cycle charge/discharge test, the energy loss of the battery with biomolecules is 30% lower than that of the unmodified battery, and the number of charge/discharge cycles increases by 60%, which effectively prolongs the service life of the lead-acid battery. The progress of this paper not only has guiding significance for the performance improvement of traditional lead-acid batteries but also provides a significant theoretical and experimental basis for the development and application of environmental friendly battery materials.

An Adaptive Combined Method for Lithium‐Ion Battery State of Charge Estimation Using Long Short‐Term Memory Network and Unscented Kalman Filter Considering Battery Aging

AbstractThe accurate estimation of battery state of charge (SOC) enables the reliable and safe operation of lithium‐ion batteries. Data‐driven SOC estimation is considered an emerging and effective solution. However, existing data‐driven SOC estimation methods typically involve direct estimation and lack effective feedback correction. Moreover, battery degradation poses additional challenges to accurate SOC estimation. Therefore, this study proposes an adaptive combined method for battery SOC estimation based on a long short‐term memory (LSTM) network and unscented Kalman filter (UKF) algorithm considering battery aging status. First, an LSTM model is constructed to characterize the battery's dynamic performance instead of traditional battery models. Then, the UKF algorithm is employed to perform SOC estimation through the feedback of terminal voltage prediction. To enhance estimation accuracy under different aging statuses, a proportional‐integral‐derivative controller is employed to correct the capacity fading during the SOC estimation process. Validation results indicate that the terminal voltage prediction model demonstrates exceptional robustness against interference from current and voltage noise. Compared to the traditional estimation method combining the deep learning model and Kalman filter algorithm, the proposed method demonstrates superior estimation accuracy under various complex operating conditions. Furthermore, the proposed method outperforms the traditional method in estimation performance during battery aging.

An “Ion Harvester” Battery in Soil Empowered by a Microfluidic Pump and Interlayer Confinement within Micro‐Swiss‐Rolls

AbstractA significant challenge arises in powering distributed tiny sensors that gather high‐resolution soil data are crucial for advancing digital and geospatial technologies in the field. Traditional batteries and solar cells are unsuitable due to size mismatches. Microbial fuel cells lack stability in delivering constant power. Soil naturally contains redox‐active ions, such as Zn2+ and Mn2+, which can be harvested and utilized for electrochemical energy storage. To facilitate access to soluble ions, a microfluidic pump based on micro‐Swiss‐roll structures via micro‐origami is developed. Spontaneous capillary flow allows for efficient liquid extraction. The micro‐Swiss‐roll architecture shows significant improvements in redox reversibility and charge transfer within micrometer‐thick interlayer space. Notably, the interference of Zn0/2+ and Mn(II)/Mn(IV) reactions is suppressed. Consequently, the battery using a micro‐Swiss‐roll electrode shows high voltage and energy efficiency at high currents up to 10 µA, with cycling stability of 300 times. A twin‐micro‐Swiss‐roll architecture of 0.385 ± 0.006 mm2 is used for energy storage in wet soil, yielding over 40 times more energy as compared to soil‐microbial fuel cells. A conceptual demonstration of an integrated irrigation water sensor and micro‐Swiss‐roll battery highlights the potential of microbattery development in addressing the critical challenge of powering tiny sensors in the soil.

Innovations in Biodegradable Batteries: A Sustainable Future

The increasing demand for batteries in several industries such as medical and electric car (EV) Industry has led to significant environmental challenges due to the production and disposal of traditional batteries, which are nonbiodegradable and pose risks to ecosystems. This report investigates the potential of biodegradable batteries as a sustainable alternative to traditional batteries, aiming to minimize environmental impact. This study analyzing and comparing the fiber batteries, zinc-molybdenum batteries, plant-based batteries (Flower battery), crab shell battery as well as algal biopolymers battery. It also highlights the key materials, methods for manufacture, and performance characteristics (biodegradability, energy capacity, degradation time) of each type of biodegradable batteries. The findings suggest that biodegradable batteries offer promising solutions for specific applications, such as in biomedical devices, wearable electronics, and precision agriculture, where their biocompatibility and environmental safety are crucial. Future development should focus on enhancing energy density, optimizing degradation timelines, and reducing costs to make these batteries more competitive with traditional options.

Self-powered wireless sensor networks based on the radioisotope thermoelectric generator for aquatic temperature monitoring

This study focuses on the development of ultra-long-life wireless sensor network (WSN) node based on the thermoelectric effect for use in areas such as aquatic temperature monitoring. A long-lasting radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) was used as the energy source for the WSN node to address issues such as short runtime and pollution associated with traditional chemical batteries and solar cells. A compact RTG was fabricated by developing thermoelectric modules with high adaptability to cylindrical heat sources. The electrical output performance at the ocean surface and in the underwater environment was analyzed, with the maximum output power reaching 2326.6 μW. An integrated circuit module comprising direct current to direct current (DC-DC) boost converters, control switch circuits, and supercapacitors was employed to power the WSN node from the RTG directly. Powered by the RTG, a WSN node for monitoring ocean temperature was also constructed. Its performance was evaluated under different environmental conditions by investigating the effects of RTG’s output, sensor data variations, distance, and other factors on WSN node stability. Results demonstrate that the designed self-powered WSN node can operate stably and continuously at the ocean surface and in underwater environments, thereby showing its promising prospects.

New Redox Chemistries of Halogens in Aqueous Batteries.

Halogen-based redox-active materials represent an important class of materials in aqueous electrochemistry. The existence of versatile halogen species and their rich bonding coordination create great flexibility in designing new redox couples. Novel redox reaction mechanisms and electrochemical reversibility can be unlocked in specifically configurated electrolyte environments and electrodes. In this review, the halogen-based redox couples and their appealing redox chemistries in aqueous batteries, including redox flow batteries and traditional static batteries, that have been studied in recent years are discussed. New aqueous electrochemistry provides hope to outperform the state-of-the-art materials and systems that are facing resources and performance limitation, and to enrich the existing battery chemistries.

Summary, Future, and Challenges of Fluoride‐Ion Batteries

Due to the limitations of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), there is an urgent need to explore alternative energy storage technologies. However, the high‐energy density of fluoride‐ion batteries (FIBs) has attracted widespread attention as a potential successor to LIBs. FIBs are emerging as a low‐cost, safe, and versatile energy storage solution, with a broad operating temperature range. With continuous efforts from researchers, significant progress has been made in the field of FIBs. Nevertheless, compared to traditional batteries, research on FIBs remains limited, and many challenges and unexplored avenues persist. This article elucidates the principles of FIBs, summarizes the materials for both cathodes and anodes, discusses electrolytes, and addresses existing issues. It also outlines future directions and potential applications of FIBs. As it is continued to innovate and explore, FIBs hold promise for revolutionizing energy storage technology, offering enhanced performance, safety, and sustainability.

High-performance biodegradable triboelectric nanogenerators using CoFe2O4 filled poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)

The hunt for sustainable and efficient energy harvesting and storage devices has driven significant interest in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) as potential alternatives to traditional batteries for powering electronic devices. However, the development of biodegradable TENGs remains a formidable challenge. This study presents the preparation of a tribopositive material entirely composed of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) polymer enhanced with CoFe2O4 (CF) nanoparticles. The CF nanoparticles, synthesized via the combustion method, were incorporated into the PBAT matrix through solvent casting to form films with varied filler content (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 g). The CF nanoparticles structural, surface, and electrical properties were characterized using XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. At the same time, the morphology of the nanomaterials and their composites was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Specifically, the 0.8 g PBAT-CF TENG demonstrated superior performance, achieving an output voltage of 45.45 V and a current of 4.5 µA. Subsequent electrical studies, including charging commercial capacitors (1.0 to 47 μF) and powering LEDs and calculators, underscored the device’s efficiency. The PBAT-CF TENG also effectively generated voltage and current signals from physical activities like walking and jumping. This innovative approach highlights the potential for biodegradable, high-performing, self-powered flexible electronics, and wearable devices, paving the way for sustainable technological advancements.

Integrating dual heat sources to enhance thermoelectric generator power output

The escalating demand for sustainable power sources for wearable electronics necessitates innovative solutions. This study tackles the challenge of sustainably powering wearable electronics, addressing the limitations of traditional batteries. The approach utilizes a thermoelectric generator with a flexible and stretchable substrate that integrates the photothermal effect and human body temperature as a heat source. A unique strategy is employed to achieve this, involving the combination of 10 g of polydimethylsiloxane, 0.5 g of carbon nanotubes powder, 1 g of base curing agent, and 1.15 g of ethyl acetate mixture used as the novel substrate material. The proposed composite substrate is paired with p-type and n-type thermoelectric legs of bismuth antimony telluride (Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3) and bismuth selenium telluride (Bi1.7Te3.7Se0.3), respectively. This innovative design ensures high flexibility, stretchability, and conformability, facilitating seamless integration into wearable electronic devices. Experimental validation and simulation-based studies reveal a power density of 166.29 μW/cm2, sufficient for powering small-scale wearable electronics. The thermoelectric generator coupled with a novel composite substrate showed 65.6 % stretchability, further underscoring its durability and adaptability. The critical finding lies in the dual heat source integration, which collectively boosts power output and ensures year-round performance, pushing the boundaries of wearable energy harvesting technologies.

In-series all-solid-state anode-less cells

Sustainable all-solid-state anode-less batteries may become critical for eliminating the challenges in traditional batteries. However, conditioning these batteries is a herculean challenge. In this study, anode-less cells were fabricated with single architectures, Cu/ZnO/Li2.99Ba0.005ClO/LiFePO4 or Cu/Li2O/Li2.99Ba0.005ClO/LiFePO4, and batteries of their off with two and three cells in series. Single- and multiple-cell batteries can undergo electrochemical cycles without requiring applied pressure while operating safely and inexpensively with viable materials at room temperature. All the batteries in this study did not require an inert atmosphere to be fabricated since no lithium metal was used a priori, which is a significant step toward sustainability, cost reduction, and scalability. The single cells featured a Li-anode nucleation layer of ZnO or Li2O doctor bladed on the negative current collector's surface. The maximum voltage accomplished in single cells was 3.2 V (with Li2O). Based on the most favorable capacity performance determined through electrochemical analysis, batteries incorporating two and three cells were assembled and connected in series, each integrating a ZnO layer, which enables the cell to achieve higher energy density. The two-cell battery achieves a maximum capacity of 6 mAh.g−1cathode, corresponding to a lithium discharged thickness of 0.369 μm, a maximum Coulombic efficiency CE of 34 %, almost half the CE of the single cell (76 %). Still, it is able to cycle for 18 cycles which is nearly the same number as a single cell. It is noteworthy that the internal resistance increases Ri,total = Ri,1 + Ri,2, while the capacitance decreases Ceq = C1C2/(C1 + C2), in two, or more, cells in series, in detriment to the capacity of the cell. The batteries, composed of three cells, cycled for 16 cycles to successfully power LEDs of different colors, finally showing a terminal potential of 5.3 V (1.8 V per cell). The groundbreaking finding in this study stems from assembling performing anode-less cells in series, representing a significant step forward in validating the viability of these cells for industrial applications. However, at the present power and energy densities, a long path is left to overcome until these cells are ready to serve in everyday use.

Electrolyte impact on supercapacitors made off Ni2O3-Ni2S3 decorating graphitic carbon nitride

Utilizing the hydrothermal method, we have successfully synthesized a promising composite material by adorning Ni2O3-Ni2S3 onto graphitic carbon nitride (G-C3N4). This composite’s structural and morphological characteristics were thoroughly examined through various analytical parameters. SEM and TEM images depict the incorporation of Ni2O3-Ni2S3 onto the 2D sheets of G-C3N4. Employing this nanocomposite, we have fabricated a supercapacitor with symmetric electrodes. Whatman filter paper, saturated with different electrolytes—HCl, Na2SO4, and KOH—was the separator between the electrodes. A series of tests were conducted to assess the electrical performance of the supercapacitor, including charge/discharge cycles, cyclic voltammetry, impedance, and lifetime measurements. At a current density of 0.3 A g−1, distinct charge and discharge times were observed for each electrolyte: 790 s for HCl, 140 s for Na2SO4, and 358 s for KOH. The supercapacitor’s energy density (E) varied depending on the electrolyte employed. Similarly, HCl achieved optimal performance, yielding the E value of 84.8 W.h.kg-1. Conversely, Na2SO4 showed reduced values at 9.5 W.h.kg−1, while KOH had the lowest values at 5.5 W.h.kg−1. The results unmistakably establish that the supercapacitor’s performance adheres to the HCl > Na2SO4 > KOH sequence concerning the electrolytes used. Looking ahead, our team aims to advance toward developing a prototype for a supercapacitor, positioning it as a viable alternative to traditional batteries in energy storage applications.

Nanofibers endow NASICON-type Na3.3La0.3Zr1.7Si2PO12 electrolyte/Na4MnCr(PO4)3 cathode excellent electrochemical properties

All-solid-state sodium-ion batteries (ASSSIBs) using composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) are promising candidates for addressing the high cost, safety issues, and limited energy density of traditional lithium-ion batteries. The microstructure and morphology of active ceramic filler and cathode seriously affect the construction of ion/electron transport channels and electrochemical performance, while the contact tightness at the electrode/CPE interface determines the release of energy storage performance in ASSSIBs. Here, NASICON-type Na3.3La0.3Zr1.7Si2PO12 (NLZSP) ceramic nanofibers (NFs) and Na4MnCr(PO4)3@C (NMCP@C) NFs are prepared via electrospinning. NLZSP long NFs (L-NFs) can be uniformly dispersed in PVDF-HFP using ultrasonic treatment to create rapid ion transport pathways within the ceramic and polymer/ceramic interphases, enabling the CPE to achieve high ionic conductivity of 3.36 × 10−4 S·cm−1, wide electrochemical stability window (ESW) exceeding 5 V, low activation energy (Ea) of 0.28 eV and sodium-ion transference number (TNa+) of 0.65 at room temperature. Meanwhile, NMCP@C NFs can enhance electron conductivity and reduce the sodium ion migration path, and finally achieve a superhigh specific capacity (161 mAh·g−1) and energy density (534 Wh·kg−1) at 0.1C. Additionally, the integrated NMCP@C/CPE structure is incorporated into NMCP@C/CPE//Na solid state sodium metal batteries (SMBs), which exhibits excellent rate performance and high capacity retention of 78.8 % at 1C (1.4–4.3 V) and 70.5 % at 0.5C (1.4–4.6 V) after 200 cycles. This study offers valuable insights into constructing high-performance ASSSIBs.

Joint estimation of SOH and RUL for lithium batteries based on variable frequency and model integration

The safe and stable operation of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles is crucial. Aiming at the problems of a large workload of online estimation and prediction and inability to weigh the whole life cycle of the battery in the joint estimation of SOH (State of Health) and RUL (Remaining Useful Life) for traditional lithium-ion batteries, this paper proposes an optimization scheme for the joint analysis of SOH-RUL. First, the article extracts suitable health features. It utilizes an integrated Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) to estimate the SOH of the battery and inputs the estimates into a Regression Vector Machine (RVM) model for RUL prediction. To better cope with the phenomenon of "sudden capacity change" in batteries, this paper divides the entire life cycle into the early and late stages. A lower estimation frequency and model integration are employed in the early stage.In contrast, the estimation frequency and model integration are increased later to balance speed and safety in total life cycle estimation. Finally, validation was performed on the NASA and CALCE datasets, comparing the effect of constant estimated frequency and model integration with that of varying estimated frequency and model integration at different aging stages. The RMSE of SOH estimation error for both datasets is within 2% during the early and late stages, and the SOH estimation error for the entire lifecycle is within 2%. The absolute RUL prediction error for the NASA dataset is below five times; for the CALCE dataset, it is below 20 times in most cases.

A high-capacity and stable dual-ion battery based on an ultra-large lattice-spacing amorphous carbon anode

Compared with traditional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), dual-ion batteries (DIBs) offer advantages such as high operating voltage, good safety performance, and low cost. However, DIBs often suffer from challenges such as low specific capacity and poor cycling performance in practical applications. Here, a layered nitrogen-doped carbon anode has been prepared using a one-step pyrolysis method with excellent Li+ storage sites. The large lattice spacing of 0.55 nm provides more space for the storage and migration of active ions. Concurrently, the utilization of concentrated electrolyte facilitated the electrochemical window and the restrained solvation of ions, which helps to boost ion transport and improve the stability of the electrolyte and the operating voltage of DIBs. The assembled DIBs exhibit a high specific discharge capacity of 179.27 mA h g−1, within a 2.5–4.8 V voltage range, and excellent cycling stability of 3500 cycles without degradation. Specifically, the structural evolution of the electrodes during charging and discharging and the working mechanism of the DIBs are also explored. The DIBs system designed in this paper provides a facile and scalable approach to promote the development of DIBs with low-cost and high-performance.

A scenario-customizable and visual-rendering simulator for on-vehicle vibration energy harvesting

The rising demand for renewable energy supply in standalone computing devices has led to the emergence of vibration energy harvesting (VEH) to overcome technical and environmental challenges. For instance, VEH is desirable in IoT scenarios where maintaining a battery supply is non-sustainable or impractical due to many devices or remote circumstances. VEH can be environmentally friendly given that it reduces the reliance on traditional battery production and usage, thus reducing the carbon footprint and chemical waste in disposable batteries. However, a significant hurdle in VEH adoption is the lack of effective simulation tools for generating various application scenarios to describe, validate, or predict the efficacy of the VEH-based devices. It is necessary for designing and implementing a VEH simulator for a variety of realistic application scenarios. Being the first of its kind, this study presents a scenario-customizable and visual-rendering VEH simulation system based on the Unity3D Engine. The proposed simulator features a modular design that consists of several key functional components including vibration scenarios’ creation and manipulation, VEH model specification, Unity-Python Co-computing mechanism, and 3D visualization. This paper also presents two AI-based case studies leveraging the functionality and data provided by the simulator to demonstrate its potential for data-driven research and applications.