Abstract: Embodiments of redox flow battery rebalancing systems include a system for reacting an unbalanced flow battery electrolyte with a rebalance electrolyte in a first reaction cell. In some embodiments, the rebalance electrolyte may contain ferrous iron (Fe2+) which may be oxidized to ferric iron (Fe3+) in the first reaction cell. The reducing ability of the rebalance reactant may be restored in a second rebalance cell that is configured to reduce the ferric iron in the rebalance electrolyte back into ferrous iron through a reaction with metallic iron.

Abstract: Electrode compositions and devices (100) that incorporate the electrode compositions are provided. More specifically, electrode compositions that include carbon that provide a connective network to which metal and/or metal derivatives are deposited are provided. Convection battery devices (100) that incorporate the carbon electrode compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A large stack redox flow battery system provides a solution to the energy storage challenge of many types of renewable energy systems. Independent reaction cells arranged in a cascade configuration are configured according to state of charge conditions expected in each cell. The large stack redox flow battery system can support multi-megawatt implementations suitable for use with power grid applications. Thermal integration with energy generating systems, such as fuel cell, wind and solar systems, further maximize total energy efficiency. The redox flow battery system can also be scaled down to smaller applications, such as a gravity feed system suitable for small and remote site applications.

Abstract: A rechargeable lithium-sulfur cell comprising a cathode, an anode, a separator electronically separating the two electrodes, a first electrolyte in contact with the cathode, and a second electrolyte in contact with the anode, wherein the first electrolyte contains a first concentration, C1, of a first lithium salt dissolved in a first solvent when the first electrolyte is brought in contact with the cathode, and the second electrolyte contains a second concentration, C2, of a second lithium salt dissolved in a second solvent when the second electrolyte is brought in contact with the anode, wherein C1 is less than C2. The cell exhibits an exceptionally high specific energy and a long cycle life.

Abstract: An electrochemical system includes: (1) a battery including an anode and a cathode; (2) a first source of a first electrolyte having a first concentration of ions; (3) a second source of a second electrolyte having a second concentration of the ions, wherein the second concentration is greater than the first concentration; and (4) a fluid conveyance mechanism connected between the battery and each of the first source and the second source. During charging of the battery, the anode and the cathode are at least partially immersed in the first electrolyte, and, during discharging of the battery, the anode and the cathode are at least partially immersed in the second electrolyte. The fluid conveyance mechanism exchanges the first electrolyte with the second electrolyte between charging and discharging of the battery, and exchanges the second electrolyte with the first electrolyte between discharging and charging of the battery.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface and one or more sensors configured to detect an operating condition of the device. Fluid-directing structures may modulate flow or retain fluid in response to the sensors. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: A method for bonding a porous flexible membrane to a rigid material is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes applying, at a bonding site of the porous membrane, a pre-treatment solvent solution, drying the bonding site of the porous membrane, applying, at a bonding site of the rigid structure, a first solvent that is capable of dissolving a surface of the rigid material, applying, at the bonding site of the porous membrane, a second solvent that is capable of dissolving the polymeric residue material dissolved in the pre-treatment solvent solution, and pressing the porous membrane to the rigid material at their respective bonding sites. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment solvent solution may include a solvent carrying dissolved polymeric residue material configured to fill the pores of the porous membrane at the bonding site of the porous membrane.

Abstract: The designs of prototype batteries are described based on some biological Fenton reactions and the photo-excitation of singlet oxygen. The biological battery consists of hydrogen peroxide (or an acid) and ferrous gluconate complexed with a second ligand. Salts such as sodium chloride or ammonium chloride are used as the electrolyte. The photochemical battery uses an aqueous paste of ferrous gluconate with an additional ligand and is irradiated by light. The power of the battery is higher by adding small amount of titanium oxide to ferrous gluconate. The power of these batteries can be increased by using higher concentration of the chemicals or connecting multiple batteries in sequence and/or in parallel. Replacing ferrous ion with cupric ions increases the current of the battery by about 20 times.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface and one or more sensors configured to detect an operating condition of the device. Fluid-directing structures may modulate flow or retain fluid in response to the sensors. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to energy storage devices, and to metal sulfide energy storage devices in particular. Some aspects of the invention relate to energy storage devices comprising at least one flowable electrode, wherein the flowable electrode comprises an electroactive metal sulfide material suspended and/or dissolved in a carrier fluid. In some embodiments, the flowable electrode further comprises a plurality of electronically conductive particles suspended and/or dissolved in the carrier fluid, wherein the electronically conductive particles form a percolating conductive network. An energy storage device comprising a flowable electrode comprising a metal sulfide electroactive material and a percolating conductive network may advantageously exhibit, upon reversible cycling, higher energy densities and specific capacities than conventional energy storage devices.

Abstract: An electrode for a lithium ion battery includes a liquid metal having a melting point that is below the operating temperature of the battery, which transforms from a liquid to a solid during lithiation, and wherein the liquid metal transforms from a solid to a liquid during delithiation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved electrochemical cell stacks having at least one protective channel on an end of the stack. Redox flow batteries (RFBs) containing the “protected” electrochemical cell stacks, and methods of operating such RFBs, are also provided.

Abstract: Redox flow devices are described including a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector, and an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors, positioned and arranged to define a positive electroactive zone and a negative electroactive zone; wherein at least one of said positive and negative electroactive zone comprises a flowable semi-solid composition comprising ion storage compound particles capable of taking up or releasing said ions during operation of the cell, and wherein the ion storage compound particles have a polydisperse size distribution in which the finest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume, is at least a factor of 5 smaller than the largest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume.

Abstract: A flow cell battery includes at least one anode and at least one cathode, with a separator membrane disposed between each anode and each cathode. Each anode and cathode includes a bipolar plate and a carbon nanotube material positioned proximally at least one side of the bipolar plate.

Abstract: A reduction/oxidation (“redox”) flow battery system includes a series of electrochemical cells arranged in a cascade, whereby liquid electrolyte reacts in a first electrochemical cell (or group of cells) before being directed into a second cell (or group of cells) where it reacts before being directed to subsequent cells. The cascade includes 2 to n stages, each stage having one or more electrochemical cells. During a charge reaction, electrolyte entering a first stage will have a lower state-of-charge than electrolyte entering the nth stage. In some embodiments, cell components and/or characteristics may be configured based on a state-of-charge of electrolytes expected at each cascade stage. Such engineered cascades provide redox flow battery systems with higher energy efficiency over a broader range of current density than prior art arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical cell that includes an anolyte compartment housing an anode electrode; a catholyte compartment housing a cathode electrode; and a solid alkali ion conductive electrolyte membrane separating the anolyte compartment from the cathode compartment. In some cases, the electrolyte membrane is selected from a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane and a lithium ion conductive membrane. In some cases, the at least one of anode or the cathode includes an alkali metal intercalation material.

Abstract: A battery cell is described that has an anode made of an alkali metal or alkali metal alloy, an alkali metal conductive membrane, and a cathode compartment that houses a hydrogen evolving cathode and a catholyte. The catholyte has dissolved salt comprising cations of the alkali metal. The battery also includes a zone where hydrogen may vent from the catholyte and a zone where water may transport into the catholyte. The zone where water may transport into the catholyte restricts the transport of ions. The battery may be operated (1) in freshwater where there is low ion-conductivity and (2) in seawater where there is a quantity of cations (such as sodium ions) that are incompatible with the alkali metal conductive membrane. The battery is designed such that the alkali metal conductive membrane is protected from cations that operate to foul the alkali metal conductive membrane.

Abstract: This invention is directed to aqueous redox flow batteries comprising redox-active metal ligand coordination compounds. The compounds and configurations described herein enable flow batteries with performance and cost parameters that represent a significant improvement over that previous known in the art.

Abstract: An improved chemical composition and manufacturing process for a battery electrode are disclosed. This battery electrode may be later arranged in flowing electrolyte battery cells. Battery electrode material formulation may include a mixture of polypropylene, carbon black, graphite, bonding additives and other substances in different concentrations. The inclusion of graphite may reduce the amount of carbon black in the mixture, thereby reducing the swelling of the battery electrode in the presence of bromine. Moreover, material formulation may reduce warpage caused by the swelling of electrode material, and may additionally improve the performance and properties of flowing electrolyte batteries. An extrusion molding process may be employed in order to fabricate the disclosed battery electrode.

Abstract: Redox flow devices are described including a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector, and an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors, positioned and arranged to define a positive electroactive zone and a negative electroactive zone; wherein at least one of said positive and negative electroactive zone comprises a flowable semi-solid composition comprising ion storage compound particles capable of taking up or releasing said ions during operation of the cell, and wherein the ion storage compound particles have a polydisperse size distribution in which the finest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume, is at least a factor of 5 smaller than the largest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume.

Abstract: A redox flow battery charged and discharged by supply of a positive electrode electrolyte stored in a positive electrode tank and a negative electrode electrolyte stored in a negative electrode tank to a battery element, in which the positive electrode electrolyte contains a Mn ion as a positive electrode active material, and the positive electrode tank includes a positive electrode charging pipe opening to a position close to a liquid level of the positive electrode electrolyte in the positive electrode tank, and a positive electrode discharging pipe opening to a position close to the bottom of the positive electrode tank. This redox flow battery can include a stirring mechanism for stirring the electrolytes in the tanks, and can include a connection pipe connecting the positive electrode tank to the negative electrode tank.

Abstract: Redox flow devices are described including a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector, and an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors, positioned and arranged to define a positive electroactive zone and a negative electroactive zone; wherein at least one of said positive and negative electroactive zone comprises a flowable semi-solid composition comprising ion storage compound particles capable of taking up or releasing said ions during operation of the cell, and wherein the ion storage compound particles have a polydisperse size distribution in which the finest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume, is at least a factor of 5 smaller than the largest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume.

Abstract: Redox flow devices are described in which at least one of the positive electrode or negative electrode-active materials is a semi-solid or is a condensed ion-storing electroactive material, and in which at least one of the electrode-active materials is transported to and from an assembly at which the electrochemical reaction occurs, producing electrical energy. The electronic conductivity of the semi-solid is increased by the addition of conductive particles to suspensions and/or via the surface modification of the solid in semi-solids (e.g., by coating the solid with a more electron conductive coating material to increase the power of the device). High energy density and high power redox flow devices are disclosed. The redox flow devices described herein can also include one or more inventive design features. In addition, inventive chemistries for use in redox flow devices are also described.

Abstract: Composite separators having a porous structure and including acid-stable, hydrophilic, inorganic particles enmeshed in a substantially fully fluorinated polyolefin matrix can be utilized in a number of applications. The inorganic particles can provide hydrophilic characteristics. The pores of the separator result in good selectivity and electrical conductivity. The fluorinated polymeric backbone can result in high chemical stability. Accordingly, one application of the composite separators is in redox flow batteries as low cost membranes. In such applications, the composite separator can also enable additional property-enhancing features compared to ion-exchange membranes. For example, simple capacity control can be achieved through hydraulic pressure by balancing the volumes of electrolyte on each side of the separator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of redox flow battery systems having modular reactant storage capabilities. Accordingly to various embodiments, a redox flow battery system may include an anolyte storage module configured to interface with other anolyte storage modules, a catholyte storage module configured to interface with other catholyte storage modules, and a reactor cell having reactant compartments in fluid communication with the anolyte and catholyte storage modules. By utilizing modular storage modules to store anolyte and catholyte reactants, the redox flow battery system may be scalable without significantly altering existing system components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten salt containing at least two salts, and having a melting point of 350° C. or more and 430° C. or less and an electric conductivity at 500° C. of 2.2 S/cm or more. The present invention also provides a thermal battery including the molten salt as an electrolyte.

Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive deionization cell using a regeneration cycle to increase pure flow rate and efficiency of the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved industrial apparatus for the large-scale storage of energy and a process for storing and transporting electric energy by means of this apparatus.

Abstract: An alkali/oxidant battery is provided with an associated method of creating battery capacity. The battery is made from an anode including a reduced first alkali metal such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and potassium (K), when the battery is charged. The battery's catholyte includes an element, in the battery charged state, such as nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH), magnesium(IV) (oxide Mn(4+)O2), or iron(III) oxyhydroxide (Fe(3+)(OH)3), with the alkali metal hydroxide. An alkali metal ion permeable separator is interposed between the anolyte and the catholyte. For example, if the catholyte includes nickel(II) hydroxide (Ni(OH)2) in a battery discharged state, then it includes NiOOH in a battery charged state. To continue the example, the anolyte may include dissolved lithium ions (Li+) in a discharged state, with solid phase reduced Li formed on the anode in the battery charged state.

Abstract: Li/air battery cells are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells include a protected a lithium metal or alloy anode and an aqueous catholyte in a cathode compartment. In addition to the aqueous catholyte, components of the cathode compartment include an air cathode (e.g., oxygen electrode) and a variety of other possible elements.

Abstract: A method is provided for mitigating hydrogen evolution within a flow battery system that includes a plurality of flow battery cells, a power converter and an electrochemical cell. The method includes providing hydrogen generated by the hydrogen evolution within the flow battery system to the electrochemical cell. A first electrical current generated by an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen and a reactant is sensed, and the sensed current is used to control an exchange of electrical power between the flow battery cells and the power converter.

Abstract: A system for a flow cell for a hybrid flow battery, comprising: a redox plate comprising a plurality of electrolyte flow channels; conductive inserts attached to the redox plate between adjacent electrolyte flow channels; a redox electrode attached to a surface of the redox plate; a plating electrode, comprising: a plurality of folded fins with an oscillating cross-section, the plurality of folded fins comprising: a first planar surface; a second planar surface, parallel to the first planar surface; a plurality of ridges intersecting the first and second planar surfaces such that the plurality of ridges divide the first planar surface into a first plurality of strips, and divide the second planar surface into a second plurality of strips; and a membrane barrier. In this way, the capacity and performance of hybrid flow batteries may be maximized, through decreasing the reaction kinetics, mass transport and ohmic resistance losses at both electrodes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for mitigating electrolyte migration in a redox flow battery system. A first parameter of a first electrolyte in a first flow path of a redox flow battery cell block may be measured. The first flow path may have an inlet to and an outlet from the redox flow battery cell block. A second parameter of a second electrolyte in a second flow path of the redox flow battery cell block may be measured. The second flow path may have an inlet to and an outlet from the redox flow battery cell block. The first parameter may be detected to be greater than the second parameter. A first device coupled to the redox flow battery cell block in the second flow path may be operated to increase the second parameter in the second flow path.

Abstract: A method of operating a redox flow battery includes a step of observing a difference in relative volume between the anolyte fluid volume and the catholyte fluid volume. The ionic molality of anolyte fluid is increased if the relative volume of the anolyte fluid decreases. A redox flow battery having balanced anolyte and catholyte initial ionic molalities is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid regulating system is provided for controlling fluid to a fluid consuming battery having a fluid consuming cell. The fluid regulating system includes a valve and an actuator for opening and closing the valve. The actuator is controlled to open the valve when greater battery electrical output is required and to close the valve when lesser battery electrical output is required to operate a device. A controller controls operation of the actuator to open and close the valve based on a monitored rate of change in electrical output, such as voltage, compared to a rate of change threshold, wherein the valve is opened when the monitored rate of change exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A bipolar ion exchange membrane suitable for use in ZnBr batteries, LiBr batteries, and electrolyzers. The membrane is produced by hot pressing or extruding a mixture of an anion exchange ionomer powder, a cation exchange ionomer powder, and a non-porous polymer powder.

Abstract: Provided is a battery which can prevent deactivation from occurring by avoiding solid deposition at electrodes. The battery includes an anion conductor, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a first aqueous liquid electrolyte layer and a second aqueous liquid electrolyte layer, wherein the first aqueous liquid electrolyte layer and the positive electrode are present in this sequence on a first surface of the anion conductor, and the second aqueous liquid electrolyte layer and the negative electrode are present in this sequence on a second surface of the anion conductor, and wherein the negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material which can release a metal ion upon discharging.

Abstract: Methods and articles relating to separation of electrolyte compositions within lithium batteries are provided. The lithium batteries described herein may include an anode having lithium as the active anode species and a cathode having sulfur as the active cathode species. Suitable electrolytes for the lithium batteries can comprise a heterogeneous electrolyte including a first electrolyte solvent (e.g., dioxolane (DOL)) that partitions towards the anode and is favorable towards the anode (referred to herein as an “anode-side electrolyte solvent”) and a second electrolyte solvent (e.g., 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME)) that partitions towards the cathode and is favorable towards the cathode (and referred to herein as an “cathode-side electrolyte solvent”).

Abstract: Redox flow devices are described in which at least one of the positive electrode or negative electrode-active materials is a semi-solid or is a condensed ion-storing electroactive material, and in which at least one of the electrode-active materials is transported to and from an assembly at which the electrochemical reaction occurs, producing electrical energy. The electronic conductivity of the semi-solid is increased by the addition of conductive particles to suspensions and/or via the surface modification of the solid in semi-solids (e.g., by coating the solid with a more electron conductive coating material to increase the power of the device). High energy density and high power redox flow devices are disclosed. The redox flow devices described herein can also include one or more inventive design features. In addition, inventive chemistries for use in redox flow devices are also described.

Abstract: Iron-sulfide redox flow battery (RFB) systems can be advantageous for energy storage, particularly when the electrolytes have pH values greater than 6. Such systems can exhibit excellent energy conversion efficiency and stability and can utilize low-cost materials that are relatively safer and more environmentally friendly. One example of an iron-sulfide RFB is characterized by a positive electrolyte that comprises Fe(III) and/or Fe(II) in a positive electrolyte supporting solution, a negative electrolyte that comprises S2? and/or S in a negative electrolyte supporting solution, and a membrane, or a separator, that separates the positive electrolyte and electrode from the negative electrolyte and electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a battery which can prevent deactivation from occurring by avoiding solid deposition at electrodes. The battery includes an anion conductor, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a first aqueous liquid electrolyte layer and a second aqueous liquid electrolyte layer, wherein the first aqueous liquid electrolyte layer and the positive electrode are present in this sequence on a first surface of the anion conductor, and the second aqueous liquid electrolyte layer and the negative electrode are present in this sequence on a second surface of the anion conductor, and wherein the negative electrode includes a negative electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material which can release a metal ion upon discharging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for charging the cell by electrodeposition of metal fuel on the anode thereof.

Abstract: A quencher for a flow cell battery is described. The quencher utilizes a quench solution formed from FeCl2 in a dilute HCl solution in order to quench chlorine emissions from the flow cell battery. A quench sensor is further described. The quench sensor monitors the concentration level of FeCl2 in the quench solution and may also monitor the level of the quench solution in the quencher.

Abstract: An organic electrolyte solution including a solvent; an electrolyte including a metal-ligand coordination compound; and an additive including a hydrophobic group and a metal affinic group.

Abstract: An electrochemical device having an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte. At least one of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode is provided with a substantially uniform superficial relief pattern formed by a plurality of substantially uniform projections and has an electrical conductivity gradient between peaks of the projections and valleys between the projections.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: Li/air battery cells are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells include a protected a lithium metal or alloy anode and an aqueous catholyte in a cathode compartment. In addition to the aqueous catholyte, components of the cathode compartment include an air cathode (e.g., oxygen electrode) and a variety of other possible elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten salt containing at least two salts, and having a melting point of 350° C. or more and 430° C. or less and an electric conductivity at 500° C. of 2.2 S/cm or more. The present invention also provides a thermal battery including the molten salt as an electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.

Abstract: A composition for filling an ion exchange membrane, a method of preparing the ion exchange membrane, the filled ion exchange membrane, and a redox flow battery using the filled ion exchange membrane. The composition includes an ion conductive material and a water soluble support.