Optimization of electrode characteristics for the Br₂/H₂ redox flow cell
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- TVN Systems, Inc., Lawrence, KS (United States)
- Univ. of Kansas, Lawrence, KS (United States)
The Br₂/H₂ redox flow cell shows promise as a high-power, low-cost energy storage device. The effect of various aspects of material selection, processing, and assembly of electrodes on the operation, performance, and efficiency of the system is determined. In particular, (+) electrode thickness, cell compression, hydrogen pressure, and (–) electrode architecture are investigated. Increasing hydrogen pressure and depositing the (–) catalyst layer on the membrane instead of on the carbon-paper backing layers have a large positive impact on performance, enabling a limiting current density above 2 A cm-2 and a peak power density of 1.4 W cm-2. Maximum energy efficiency of 79% is achieved. In addition, the root cause of limiting-current behavior in this system is elucidated, where it is found that Br- reversibly adsorbs at the Pt (–) electrode for potentials exceeding a critical value, and the extent of Br- coverage is potential-dependent. This phenomenon limits maximum cell current density and must be addressed in system modeling and design. These findings are expected to lower system cost and enable higher efficiency.
- Research Organization:
- TVN Systems, Inc., Lawrence, KS (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AR0000262
- OSTI ID:
- 1164831
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, Vol. 45, Issue 1; ISSN 0021-891X
- Publisher:
- SpringerCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
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