Researchers in Singapore have produced a new type of redox flow battery with an energy density around ten times higher than traditional redox flow batteries. never heard of a redox flow battery? These rechargeable batteries have a lot more in typical with fuel cells than traditional batteries. They utilize two circulating liquids separated by a membrane as an electrolyte. Each liquid has its own tank, as well as you can recharge it by pumping in fresh electrolyte. The redox in the name is short for reduction-oxidation as well as refers to the process that stores energy in the two liquids. You can discover a lot more about flow batteries in the video from Harvard below.
The energy capability of a redox flow battery depends upon the volume of the liquid tanks. This residential property makes them appealing for storing great deals of energy (for example, the output of a solar or wind generator). What makes standard cells unattractive is that they have low certain energy — making them as well heavy for something like electric automobiles — as well as low certain power, which makes them costly for storing energy from stationary sources like wind turbines. The new cells, utilizing a lithium-based option on the cathode as well as a titanium-based option on the anode, enables for cells that store about 500 watt-hours per liter of solution.
We’ve talked about homebrew molten salt batteries as well as lithium-air batteries, too. building a redox flow battery doesn’t seem that tough if you can master the membrane. normal materials include glass-ceramics as well as Nafion polymer. The new battery utilizes a composite membrane made of Nafion as well as PVDF.