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Shaping Porous Electrode Architecture to Improve Current Density and Energy Efficiency in Redox Flow Batteries

Project description

High-power-density electrodes for redox-flow batteries

The energy transition has increased demand for long-duration energy storage solutions like redox-flow batteries (RFBs). However, their high cost is partly due to inefficient electrode use and a lack of customised components. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SPACER project aims to develop cost-effective, high-power-density electrodes for RFBs, targeting a power density of 1 A/cm2 and energy efficiencies of up to 90 %. Using hierarchical structures and multiscale modelling, the project will create and validate advanced prototypes through various printing techniques and imaging methods like EPR. Doctoral candidates will gain expertise in electrochemistry and materials science, with industry involvement ensuring they acquire skills for successful careers in electrochemical energy storage.

Objective

The energy transition has increased demand for energy storage, including long-duration storage solutions like redox-flow batteries (RFBs). But RFBs are limited by a high levelized cost of storage, due in part to inefficient electrode use and the lack of tailored RFB components.
SPACER will develop high-power-density electrodes for RFBs, with a max. power density of ca. 1Acm-2 and energy efficiencies >85-90% at relevant current densities (20-30% higher than conventional electrodes). The expected cost is up to 50% less than conventional electrodes.

SPACER’s approach is the use of hierarchical structures, i.e. complex multilayer materials. Work will entail:
• Multiscale modelling to better understand RFB behavior and identify hierarchically shaped pore structures for optimum electrolyte and electric flow
• Prototyping of the modelled structures via stereolithic (micro-), 3D printing (meso-) and textile (macroscale) techniques
• Characterization of prototypes via cutting-edge imaging techniques like EPR to validate the models and electrode performance
Three development cycles (micro-, meso- and macroscale) will provide insight into complex interactions and optimal material structures, and culminate in electrodes validated in mini-stacks by industrial partner PIN (TRL6). The intended applications are established (vanadium) and next-gen (HBr) RFBs.

SPACER will give 17 DCs a unique skill set spanning electrochemistry, modelling, material science and cell engineering. The employability of the DCs will be further enhanced by high-quality individual training in scientific and soft skills, and structured network training units moving them from theoretical investigations toward industrial application. The involvement of 2 industrial beneficiaries and a non-funded Industrial Board, secondments in applied research and industry, and a strong training emphasis on market needs will equip the DCs with the intersectoral skills needed for a career in electrochemical energy storage.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN-01

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Coordinator

FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
Net EU contribution
€ 580 544,64
Address
HANSASTRASSE 27C
80686 Munchen
Germany
Region
Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (12)

Partners (9)