Aqueous semi-solid flow cell: demonstration and analysis

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2013 Oct 14;15(38):15833-9. doi: 10.1039/c3cp53428f. Epub 2013 Sep 2.

Abstract

An aqueous Li-ion flow cell using suspension-based flow electrodes based on the LiTi2(PO4)3-LiFePO4 couple is demonstrated. Unlike conventional flow batteries, the semi-solid approach utilizes fluid electrodes that are electronically conductive. A model of simultaneous advection and electrochemical transport is developed and used to separate flow-induced losses from those due to underlying side reactions. The importance of plug flow to achieving high energy efficiency in flow batteries utilizing highly non-Newtonian flow electrodes is emphasized.