Flow Cell Systems, Flow Cell Batteries, and Hydrogen Production Processes
We propose a new paradigm for low-cost hydrogen generation though a hybrid electrolyzer/flow battery device, in which the oxygen electrode is replaced with a Fe2+/Fe3+ catholyte. In order for continuous operation, a regeneration cell will provide the replenishment of the Fe2+ ions through renewable resources, such as carbohydrate or photoreduction,.
HIGHLY STABLE PHENAZINE DERIVATIVES FOR AQUEOUS REDOX FLOW BATTERIES
In this report, rationally functionalized, highly water-soluble phenazine derivatives are disclosed as a new class of redox-active anolyte material for aqueous redox flow batteries. These compounds are compatible with basic electrolytes leading to relatively high rate performance. They have sufficiently low redox potential (-1V vs Ag/AgCl) in basic electrolytes, which can enable high voltage flow batteries systems. In addition, they have two electron transfers and this is very helpful to improve their energy density by double. When coupled with potassium ferrocyanide, the flow cell exhibited a relatively stable cycling for ~300 cycles at 20 mA/cm2. The great cyclability indicate that these compounds and their charged species are chemically very stable, promising for highly durable flow battery systems. Moreover, these compounds can be synthesized from very inexpensive precursors through simple one-step synthesis. This feature allows easy molecular engineering to enable high solubilities and can lead to high cost-effectiveness redox materials. Therefore, the organic phenazine derivative compounds are expected to be promising material candidates to achieve competitive aqueous redox flow batteries that have high voltage, high energy density, good power density, long durability, and low cost.
Iron-Sulfide Redox Flow Batteries
A novel iron-polysulfide based redox flow battery system (Fe-S) is developed for energy storage applications. This system employs alkali metal ferricyanide/ferrocyanide and alkali metal polysulfide as the redox electrolytes. When proper electrodes, such as pretreated graphite felts, are used, over 75% energy efficiency and at least 93% charge efficiency can be retained with good stability over 50 charge-discharge cycles. The remarkable advantages of this system over the current state-of-the-art redox flow batteries include: 1) very low capital cost of materials (about $70/kWh for redox electrolytes); 2) less corrosive redox solutions used and relatively environmentally benign; 3) excellent energy and utilization efficiencies.
Energy Storage Materials Initiative (ESMI)
PNNL’s ESMI is a Laboratory-funded research and development (R&D) program focused on transforming and accelerating materials development processes for next-generation energy storage technologies.
Thin, Porous Metal Sheets and Methods for Making the Same
This invention provides a new membrane design and a method of its preparation for selective transport of one or one type of molecules over the other. The membrane comprises immobilizing a liquid-fluidic phase of selective absorption functions in a porous inorganic support matrix. The device can be used for gas separation or used as selective barrier layer for battery and fuel cell applications.
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETECTING AND ANALYZING A THREAT IN A CONFINED ENVIRONMENT
A system and method of detecting and analyzing a threat in a confined environment is disclosed. An audio board detects and analyzes audio signals. A RF board transmits the signals for emergency response. A battery provides power to the audio board and the RF board. The audio board includes a microcontroller with at least one band-pass filter for distinguishing between a threat and a non-threat event and for measuring or counting pulses if the event is a threat.
LITHIUM COMPENSATION FOR FULL CELL OPERATION
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a lithium-ion battery system comprising an anode, an anode current collector, and a layer of lithium metal in contact with the current collector, but not in contact with the anode. The lithium compensation layer dissolves into the electrolyte to compensate for the loss of lithium ions during usage of the full cell. The specific placement of the lithium compensation layer, such that there is no direct physical contact between the lithium compensation layer and the anode, provides certain advantages.
Fe-V Redox Flow Batteries
A redox flow battery having a supporting solution that includes Cl− anions is characterized by an anolyte having V2+ and V3+ in the supporting solution, a catholyte having Fe2+ and Fe3+ in the supporting solution, and a membrane separating the anolyte and the catholyte. The anolyte and catholyte can have V cations and Fe cations, respectively, or the anolyte and catholyte can each contain both V and Fe cations in a mixture. Furthermore, the supporting solution can contain a mixture of SO42− and Cl− anions.