Flow Cell Slurry Electrolyte With Porous Separator for Low-Cost Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional redox flow batteries face high costs, complex construction, reduced output power and cycle life due to the use of expensive ion-exchange membranes and environmentally harmful electrolytes, leading to longer charging times and increased risk of short circuits and dendrite formation.
Innovation Solution
A flow energy storage device using a porous separator membrane and neutral pH aqueous electrolyte with redox-active iodide salt, comprising activated porous carbon particles, allows for cost-effective construction with stainless-steel current collectors and fibrous membranes, preventing dendrite formation and enabling high conductivity and voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive ion-exchange membranes are used as separators, then ionic charge maintenance is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive ion-exchange membranes with a cheaper alternative consisting of a porous separator membrane combined with gel electrolyte. The porous membrane provides physical separation while the gel electrolyte maintains ionic charge balance, achieving the same functional result at lower cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite system combining a porous separator membrane with gel electrolyte to replace the single-component ion-exchange membrane. This composite approach achieves both separation and ionic charge maintenance functions through material combination rather than relying on expensive specialized membranes.
2Power
If two separate battery electrodes are used in each half-cell, then redox reactions are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single slurry electrode that performs multiple functions: it serves as both the working electrode for redox reactions and the counter electrode. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate battery electrodes while maintaining full redox reaction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the working electrode and counter electrode into a single slurry electrode component. This consolidation simplifies the device structure, reduces the number of components, and eliminates the complexity of managing two separate electrode systems while preserving electrochemical functionality.
3Power
If two separate circuits with storage tanks are used, then electrochemical reactions are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anolyte and catholyte circuits into a single shared circuit system. Both half-cells draw electrolyte from a common reservoir and return to the same reservoir, eliminating the need for separate storage tanks and complex dual-circuit infrastructure while maintaining electrochemical reaction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The single shared circuit serves dual functions by providing electrolyte to both the anolyte and catholyte half-cells. This universal circuit design replaces the need for separate dedicated circuits, reducing system complexity while maintaining full electrochemical functionality.
4Power
If sulphuric acid is used as electrolyte component, then electrochemical activity is improved, but environmental safety worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by replacing sulphuric acid with gel electrolyte containing lithium salts and organic carbonates. This parameter change maintains electrochemical activity through alternative ionic conduction mechanisms while eliminating the environmental and safety hazards associated with strong acids.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses gel electrolyte based on lithium salts and organic carbonates as a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to sulphuric acid. This electrolyte system provides sufficient ionic conductivity for electrochemical reactions without the corrosiveness and environmental harm of strong acids.
5Reliability
If corrosion-resistant components are used, then durability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte chemistry from acidic to neutral/gel-based, which fundamentally alters the corrosion profile. This parameter change allows the use of standard, less expensive materials instead of specialized corrosion-resistant components, reducing device cost while maintaining durability through the inherently stable gel electrolyte system.
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 device achieves scalable energy output, high power density, long cycle life, and safe operation with reduced ohmic losses, enabling efficient energy storage and recovery without the need for expensive components or hazardous materials.
Implementation Method 1
a porous separator membrane interposed between the first half-cell and the second half-cell
Implementation Method 2
iodine is gathered at a carbon/iodine interface at the porous carbon particles
Implementation Method 3
at least one electrolyte salt comprising redox-active iodide salt
Implementation Method 4
cation charges are stored on an electric double layer within the porous carbon particles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
Flow energy storage device (1) comprising: - a feed container (2) containing uncharged electrolyte slurry (30) ; - a capacitor flow cell (5) having a first half-cell (6), a second half-cell (7) and a porous separator membrane (8) interposed between, wherein the half-cells (6,7) are each connected to the feed container (2) and supplied with the same electrolyte slurry (30), wherein - the first half-cell is configured to be electrically coupled with a first positive current collector (9), and - the second half-cell is configured to be electrically coupled with a second negative current collector (11); - said electrolyte slurry comprises activated porous carbon particles (31) and one electrolyte salt comprising redox-active iodide salt; - whereby in a charged state in the first half-cell a first negative slurry electrode (10) with charged negative electrode particles (32) comprising iodine (34), and in the second half-cell a second positive slurry electrode (12) with charged positive electrode particles (33) are formed.