Issue 8, 2024

Single-membrane pH-decoupling aqueous batteries using proton-coupled electrochemistry for pH recovery

Abstract

pH-decoupling in aqueous redox flow batteries (ARFBs) represents a promising strategy for enhancing cell voltage and expanding the repertoire of redox pair combinations. Effective management of acid–base crossover and the implementation of cost-effective pH recovery methods are pivotal for long-term stability of pH-decoupling ARFBs. We introduce a pH-decoupling design integrated into a conventional single-membrane ARFB architecture. This approach reduces the area specific resistance while suppressing acid–base crossover to an acceptable level. We explore various electrolyte pairs, ranging from anions to cations, acids to bases, always dissolved to electrodepositing, showing the flexibility afforded by this design in selecting electrolyte compositions. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of proton-coupled electrochemical reactions as proton pumps, facilitating in situ or ex situ pH recovery within pH-decoupling batteries. Our findings potentially offer benefits including improved energy efficiency, increased areal power output, and decreased capital costs, thereby advancing the prospects for scalable and sustainable energy storage solutions.

Graphical abstract: Single-membrane pH-decoupling aqueous batteries using proton-coupled electrochemistry for pH recovery

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
02 May 2024
Accepted
29 Jun 2024
First published
08 Jul 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Energy Adv., 2024,3, 1911-1918

Single-membrane pH-decoupling aqueous batteries using proton-coupled electrochemistry for pH recovery

D. Xi, Z. Yang, A. M. Alfaraidi, Y. Jing, R. G. Gordon and M. J. Aziz, Energy Adv., 2024, 3, 1911 DOI: 10.1039/D4YA00279B

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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