Improving performance of Redox Flow Batteries and Fuel cells for grid scale energy storage
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
The general aim of my PhD is to work towards improving performance in a number of Redox flow Battery (RFB) systems and Fuel cells. The first months of my PhD will focus mainly on vanadium based RFBs as these are the most mature systems and are the closest to reaching commercial viability. Working on the all-vanadium RFB allow me to gain familiarity with electrochemical characterisation techniques where there is lots of literature available to assist.
Later in my first year and onwards I will focus on some of the less mature Redox flow systems and Fuel cells on which there is a lower degree of understanding and research done on materials. This research can focus on the electrolyte, electrocatalysts and the membrane. Due to the heavy membrane synthesis focus of the group there is an opportunity to test appropriate membrane materials developed by the group for other applications in these RFB systems.
Later in my first year and onwards I will focus on some of the less mature Redox flow systems and Fuel cells on which there is a lower degree of understanding and research done on materials. This research can focus on the electrolyte, electrocatalysts and the membrane. Due to the heavy membrane synthesis focus of the group there is an opportunity to test appropriate membrane materials developed by the group for other applications in these RFB systems.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R513052/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2292845 | Studentship | EP/R513052/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/06/2023 | Luke Petit |
| EP/T51780X/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2025 | |||
| 2292845 | Studentship | EP/T51780X/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/06/2023 | Luke Petit |
| Description | Hybrid redox flow batteries are being considered to store electrical energy from renewable, bridging the gap between intermittent supply and demand. Membranes play a crucial role in hybrid redox flow batteries, separating the gaseous hydrogen electrode from metal or organic, liquid-based electrolytes. The funding of this work has allowed the extensive characterisation of novel porous membranes for use in hybrid flow batteries. The membranes investigated may offer economic and environmental advantages compared with current commercial options, along with competitive performance. |
| Exploitation Route | Further optimisation of these membranes may lead to scale up and viability in hybrid flow batteries, aiding diversification of the grid. |
| Sectors | Energy,Environment |
| Description | Research presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | A research presentation was delivered to academics and postgraduate students summarising progress made on a certain branch of work, and sparking follow-up discussion. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |