Anodized Copper-Tin Electrode for Aqueous Organic Flow Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrodes for redox flow cells, particularly those used in redox flow batteries, face challenges in achieving corrosion resistance, cost-effectiveness, and compact geometry due to the use of thick, expensive composite materials and limited suitability for aqueous organic electrolytes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrode with a substrate made from a copper-tin alloy (4-10 wt.% tin) that is anodized on the surface facing the electrolyte, offering electrochemical stability, low overpotentials, and low interfacial resistances, while being cost-effective and suitable for aqueous organic electrolytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plate-shaped composites made of plastic and graphite are used as corrosion-resistant substrates, then corrosion resistance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to additional frames and assembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the substrate and frame functions into a single integrated component. The metal sheet substrate with embedded flow channels eliminates the need for separate plastic frames and channel structures, simplifying assembly while maintaining corrosion resistance through the use of corrosion-resistant metals like stainless steel or titanium
Solution Approach 2:
The metal sheet substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, ensures corrosion resistance, conducts electricity, and directs electrolyte flow through integrated channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated frame and channel components
2Reliability
If plate-shaped composites with carbon coating are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from composite plastic-graphite to metallic materials (stainless steel, titanium, or their alloys). This parameter change inherently provides corrosion resistance through the metal's properties and enables simpler manufacturing processes for cutting, forming, and assembling metal components compared to composite materials
3Strength
If electrodes are made thicker to ensure structural integrity, then mechanical strength is improved, but space utilization and compactness of redox flow cells deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a porous coating layer on the metal sheet substrate that provides structural integrity and active sites for electrochemical reactions. The porous structure offers high surface area-to-volume ratio, enabling sufficient mechanical strength and electrochemical performance with thinner overall electrode construction, thus improving space utilization in redox flow cells
4Reliability
If conventional electrodes are used in aqueous organic electrolytes, then electrochemical stability is compromised, but alternative materials increase cost and reduce availability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a metal sheet substrate (stainless steel or titanium) providing mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, combined with a porous coating layer (such as metal oxides, hydroxides, or conductive polymers) that provides electrochemical stability in aqueous organic electrolytes. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both materials while maintaining manufacturability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The copper-tin alloy electrode achieves enhanced electrochemical stability, catalytic activity, and reduced manufacturing costs, allowing for the production of compact, high-performance redox flow cells and batteries with improved energy storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the electrode is anodized at least on its surface facing the electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
achieves enhanced electrochemical stability, catalytic activity
Implementation Method 3
achieves enhanced electrochemical stability, catalytic activity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrode (1, 1', 1a, 1b) for arrangement in contact with an aqueous organic electrolyte, wherein the electrode (1, 1', 1a, 1b) is formed comprising a substrate (2) formed from an electrode material in the form of a metal sheet (2a) and/or an expanded metal mesh (2b), and the electrode material consists of a copper-tin alloy comprising 4% to 10% by weight of tin. The invention further relates to a redox flow cell (8) having at least one such electrode (1, 1', 1a, 1b) and to a redox flow battery.