Issue 41, 2023

Identifying structure-function relationships to modulate crossover in nonaqueous redox flow batteries

Abstract

Nonaqueous redox flow batteries (NARFBs) offer a promising solution for large-scale storage of renewable energy. However, crossover of redox active molecules between the two sides of the cell is a major factor limiting their development, as most selective separators are designed for deployment in water, rather than organic solvents. This report describes a systematic investigation of the crossover rates of redox active organic molecules through an anion exchange separator under RFB-relevant non-aqueous conditions (in acetonitrile/KPF6) using a combination of experimental and computational methods. A structurally diverse set of neutral and cationic molecules was selected, and their rates of crossover were determined experimentally with the organic solvent-compatible anion exchange separator Fumasep FAP-375-PP. The resulting data were then fit to various descriptors of molecular size, charge, and hydrophobicity (overall charge, solution diffusion coefficient, globularity, dynamic volume, dynamic surface area, clogP). This analysis resulted in multiple statistical models of crossover rates for this separator. These models were then used to predict tether groups that dramatically slow the crossover of small organic molecules in this system.

Graphical abstract: Identifying structure-function relationships to modulate crossover in nonaqueous redox flow batteries

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
04 May 2023
Accepted
27 Sep 2023
First published
09 Oct 2023

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 22288-22294

Author version available

Identifying structure-function relationships to modulate crossover in nonaqueous redox flow batteries

B. Jett, A. Flynn, M. S. Sigman and M. S. Sanford, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023, 11, 22288 DOI: 10.1039/D3TA02633G

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