This project seeks to develop metal-based redox flow batteries which are a promising solution as scalable and cost-effective energy storage. This research seeks to establish the scientific principles behind an emerging class of batteries, the multiphase single-flow cell, and therefor improve the energy efficiency and energy density of this type of cell. The multiphase single-flow zinc-bromine battery leverages the low cost of electrolyte and relatively high potential difference between electrodes, while also eliminating the usage of an ion selective membrane, so to minimize cost and maintenance, and simplify operational procedures. This is possible due to the addition of a bromine complexing agent, which lowers the high vapor pressure of bromine, by separating the bromine between two density different phases. Further, the corrosion of zinc metal is inhibited due to bromine being complexed and rendered inactive.

The multiphase electrolyte flowing at a single channel is comprised of zinc-bromide salt, liquid bromine and a bromine complexing agent, which are dissolved in water and operate inside the flow battery as aqueous emulsion at room temperature. As shown in the following schematic of the modelled flow channel:

The operation of the flow battery as a system is further simplified by using a single pump and single mixing tank. Below are plots of (a) local dimensionless current density as a function of electrode location, and (b) cell potential as a function of current at x/L = 1.

The project combines theoretical modeling of the multiphase flow with lab-scale experimental work conducted by PhD student Rona Ronen, as well as theoretical work conducted by Masters student Ran-Yossef Swisa. The formation of dendrites is investigated by researcher, PhD Robert Glouckhovski.
Publications:
1. R. Ronen, A. D. Gat, M. Z. Bazant, and M. E. Suss. “Single Flow Multiphase Flow Batteries: Theory.” Electrochimica Acta 2021, 389, 138554.
2. L. Amit, D. Naar, R. Gloukhovski, G. Jose la O’, and M. E. Suss. “A single‐flow battery with multiphase flow.” ChemSusChem 2021, 14, 1068-1073.