SPEEK scaling UP

Abstract

In this new issue of Joule, Xianfeng Li and colleagues demonstrated the pilot scale roll-to-roll synthesis of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membrane and the scaling up of zinc flow batteries (ZFBs) stack 300–4000 W with membrane area up to 3 m2. Compared to expensive Nafion membranes ($500–1500 m−2), cost analysis demonstrated the significant cost reduction of SPEEK membranes to $12 m−2 and subsequently enormous cost reduction of flow battery stacks. This cost reduction will advance the manufacturing of flow battery systems for large-scale energy storage plants. 1 Yuan Z. Liang L. Dai Q. Li T. Song Q. Zhang H. Hou G. Li X. Low-cost hydrocarbon membrane enables commercial-scale flow batteries for longduration energy storage. Joule. 2022; 6: 884-905 Google Scholar In this new issue of Joule, Xianfeng Li and colleagues demonstrated the pilot scale roll-to-roll synthesis of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membrane and the scaling up of zinc flow batteries (ZFBs) stack 300–4000 W with membrane area up to 3 m2. Compared to expensive Nafion membranes ($500–1500 m−2), cost analysis demonstrated the significant cost reduction of SPEEK membranes to $12 m−2 and subsequently enormous cost reduction of flow battery stacks. This cost reduction will advance the manufacturing of flow battery systems for large-scale energy storage plants. 1 Yuan Z. Liang L. Dai Q. Li T. Song Q. Zhang H. Hou G. Li X. Low-cost hydrocarbon membrane enables commercial-scale flow batteries for longduration energy storage. Joule. 2022; 6: 884-905 Google Scholar Low-cost hydrocarbon membrane enables commercial-scale flow batteries for long-duration energy storageYuan et al.JouleMarch 21, 2022In BriefFlow batteries are promising for long-duration grid-scale energy storage. However, the major bottleneck for large-scale deployment of flow batteries is the use of expensive Nafion membranes. We report a significant advance in demonstration of next-generation redox flow batteries at commercial-scale battery stacks using low-cost hydrocarbon membranes with high ionic conductivity and chemical stability in alkaline-based flow batteries. This work represents a technological advance to facilitate the application of alkaline-based flow batteries for grid-scale energy storage. Full-Text PDF