Flow Batteries

Advanced Materials for Ionic/Liquid Flow Batteries

Project team will synthesize and electrochemically evaluate new non-aqueous flow battery electrolytes. We have recently developed a new family of ionic liquids based on transition metal complexes (MetIL) that play the dual role of charge storage medium and electrolyte. Since MetILs are ionically conductive, these complexes can also serve as the electrolyte. We will use one MetIL as the cathode and a different MetIL as the anode in a flow configuration, and rely on the energy difference of the two to establish the cell voltage and store charge.

Advanced Membranes for Flow Batteries

In this project we will research, design, and synthesize hydrocarbon ionomeric membrane separators for the use in various flow battery chemistries. The goal of this project is to improve cell performance, enhance durability, and reduce material cost over current flow batteries.

Models of Flow Batteries

This project focuses on providing a fundamental understanding of flow battery systems through the development of mathematical models implemented for numerical simulation of reactive flow and transport. The goal for FY11 is to develop an initial numerical model of a flow battery designed to support laboratory prototypes being designed at SNL and PNNL. Further work will expand the model to assist in technology and prototype design.