Composite Redox Flow Battery Electrode for Reversible Hydrogen Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current redox flow batteries and alkaline electrolysis systems face challenges in efficiently storing seasonal energy due to limitations in energy density, lifetime, and flexibility, with redox flow batteries aging quickly when used for seasonal storage and alkaline electrolysis systems experiencing premature aging and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A redox flow battery electrode comprising a conductive carbon material, a (semi-)conductive polymer, and an oxygen evolution reaction catalyst, allowing the battery to switch reversibly between regular flow battery mode and electrolyzer mode for hydrogen production, thereby combining short-term and long-term energy storage in a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If redox flow batteries are used for seasonal energy storage, then energy storage duration is extended, but battery lifetime deteriorates due to aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode into multiple functional layers: a conductive carbon material layer for electrical conductivity, a polymer layer for structural stability and corrosion resistance, and an OER catalyst layer for efficient oxygen evolution. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, preventing any single material from degrading under all operational stresses, thus extending battery lifetime while maintaining seasonal storage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite electrode materials combining conductive carbon, polymer, and OER catalyst. This composite structure leverages the advantages of each material: carbon provides conductivity, polymer provides corrosion resistance and structural integrity, and the catalyst provides efficient oxygen evolution. The synergistic combination prevents premature aging while enabling extended energy storage duration for seasonal applications
2Quantity of substance
If alkaline electrolysis systems are used for hydrogen production, then hydrogen storage capability is improved, but system cost and aging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a redox flow battery that can operate in multiple modes: standard charge/discharge mode for electrical energy storage and electrolysis mode for hydrogen production. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alkaline electrolysis systems, reducing overall system cost while maintaining hydrogen storage capability. The same battery infrastructure serves dual purposes, avoiding redundant equipment and reducing manufacturing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If redox flow batteries operate in electrolyzer mode for hydrogen production, then energy storage versatility is improved, but electrode stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst specifically at the electrode surface where oxygen evolution occurs during electrolysis. This localized catalytic layer facilitates efficient oxygen evolution while protecting the underlying electrode structure from corrosion. The catalyst layer is applied only where needed, maintaining electrode stability while enabling versatile operation in both battery and electrolyzer modes
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 solution enables superior stability, longer lifetime, and increased integrity of the redox flow battery in both charging/discharging and hydrogen production modes, achieving efficient energy storage and conversion for both short-term and seasonal energy fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
RFBs are electrochemical systems that can repeatedly store and convert electrical energy to chemical energy and vice versa. Redox reactions are employed to store energy in the form of a chemical potential in liquid electrolyte solutions
Implementation Method 2
During periods of energy overproduction excess electrical energy can be used to electrolyse water and produce hydrogen
Implementation Method 3
the coating comprises a conductive carbon material, a (semi-)conductive polymer and, optionally an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of redox flow batteries and combines the conventional use of a redox flow battery for electrochemical energy storage with the production of hydrogen as additional energy storage system. Accordingly, the present invention provides an electrode for a redox flow battery, which is suitable for such dual use as well as a respective redox flow battery. The present invention also provides a method for generating hydrogen with a redox flow battery. Such a method is useful for energy storage during daily as well as seasonal fluctuations in energy production.