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Title: Realization of an Asymmetric Non‐Aqueous Redox Flow Battery through Molecular Design to Minimize Active Species Crossover and Decomposition

Journal Article · · Chemistry - A European Journal
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [2]; ORCiD logo [1]
  1. Joint Center for Energy Storage Research Department of Chemistry University of Michigan 930 North University Avenue Ann Arbor MI 48104 USA
  2. Joint Center for Energy Storage Research Department of Chemistry University of Utah 315 South 1400 East Salt Lake City UT 84112 USA

Abstract This communication presents a mechanism‐based approach to identify organic electrolytes for non‐aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs). Symmetrical flow cell cycling of a pyridinium anolyte and a cyclopropenium catholyte resulted in extensive capacity fade due to competing decomposition of the pyridinium species. Characterization of this decomposition pathway enabled the rational design of next‐generation anolyte/catholyte pairs with dramatically enhanced cycling performance. Three factors were identified as critical for slowing capacity fade: (1) separating the anolyte–catholyte in an asymmetric flow cell using an anion exchange membrane (AEM); (2) moving from monomeric to oligomeric electrolytes to limit crossover through the AEM; and (3) removing the basic carbonyl moiety from the anolyte to slow the protonation‐induced decomposition pathway. Ultimately, these modifications led to a novel anolyte–catholyte pair that can be cycled in an AEM‐separated asymmetric RFB for 96 h with >95 % capacity retention at an open circuit voltage of 1.57 V.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
Joint Center for Energy Storage Research
OSTI ID:
1615857
Journal Information:
Chemistry - A European Journal, Journal Name: Chemistry - A European Journal Vol. 26 Journal Issue: 24; ISSN 0947-6539
Publisher:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
Germany
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 37 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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