Abstract
The soluble lead flow battery (SLFB) is conventionally configured with an undivided cell chamber. This is possible, unlike other flow batteries, because both electrode active materials are electroplated as solids from a common species, Pb2+, on the electrode surfaces during charging. Physically separating the active materials has the advantage that a single electrolyte and pump circuit can be used; however, failure mechanisms such as electrical shorting may be observed. In addition, a common electrolyte requires that any electrolyte additives are compatible with both half-cell reactions. This paper introduces two new configurations; semi- and fully divided for the SLFB. Cationic, anionic, and microporous separators are assessed for ionic conductivity in SLFB electrolytes, showing that their incorporation adds as little as a 20 mV to the cell voltage. Voltammetry shows the effect of additives on the equilibrium potential and stripping overpotential of PbO2. It is then demonstrated that the incorporation of a separator into the SLFB can reduce failure due to electrical shorting and permit electrode-specific additives to be used. A unit flow cell with electrode area of 100 cm2 is shown to operate for over 300 Ah in the semi-divided configuration, more than doubling the previously reported cycle life for cells of similar size.Graphical
Highlights
The soluble lead flow battery (SLFB) is a hybrid flow battery that stores energy in the form of solid lead and lead dioxide electrodeposits at the negative and positive electrodes, respectively
The growth of lead dendrites, lead dioxide creep, and sloughing of material from each electrode deposit can result in electrical contact, shorting the cell, while insoluble lead oxide sludge can form at the positive electrode [8]
This paper describes a method for mitigating against cell failure mechanisms using a separator to divide the cell
Summary
The soluble lead flow battery (SLFB) is a hybrid flow battery that stores energy in the form of solid lead and lead dioxide electrodeposits at the negative and positive electrodes, respectively. Dividing the soluble lead flow cell with a separator allows the use of electrode-specific additives (to control the growth, morphology, and conductivity of deposits) whilst providing a physical barrier to abnormal deposit growth and sedimentation causing electrical shorts. To measure the potential of an individual electrode, a capillary connected the adjacent Perspex flow chamber to an external test tube, allowing electrolyte to flow in. The semi-divided configuration, shown, divides the cell using a separator, but, like in the undivided set-up, the same electrolyte flows through each half-cell. This provides the benefits of a single tank, pump, and flow system compared to a fully divided configuration. The effect of these designs on cell performance (efficiency and cycle life before failure) is compared in this paper
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