Redox flow batteries: better and cheaper through improved material design (REBBID)
January 2025 – December 2028
This project is dedicated to developing the next generation of redox flow batteries, a technology considered highly promising for storing renewable electricity on a large scale. Unlike conventional batteries, redox flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes that can be circulated through the system. This makes them especially attractive for grid applications, where long lifetimes, flexible operation, and safety are essential. However, today’s systems remain too expensive and not yet efficient enough to compete with other solutions.
The research focuses on improving three critical components: the electrolytes that carry the energy, the membranes that separate them while allowing ions to pass, and the electrodes where the reactions take place. Each of these plays a decisive role in determining the cost, efficiency, and durability of the battery. For example, the project investigates new redox-active compounds based on more abundant elements to replace expensive and scarce materials. It also works on membranes that are more selective and stable, preventing energy loss through unwanted crossover of chemicals. At the same time, advanced electrode structures are being designed to speed up reactions and reduce resistance inside the cell. What makes this research unique is the integrated approach: instead of optimizing each part separately, the project looks at how all components interact when combined into a working battery. By matching the chemistry of the electrolytes with the properties of membranes and the design of electrodes, the goal is to create systems where the whole performs far better than the sum of its parts. Testing under realistic conditions will provide insight into how these new materials behave in practice, and how they can be scaled up for future applications.
Through this work, the project aims to deliver redox flow batteries that are more efficient, longer-lasting, and significantly cheaper. Such advances would represent an important step forward for renewable energy, providing a reliable way to balance supply and demand on the electricity grid. In the long run, this research could help pave the way for a cleaner and more resilient energy system.
The research focuses on improving three critical components: the electrolytes that carry the energy, the membranes that separate them while allowing ions to pass, and the electrodes where the reactions take place. Each of these plays a decisive role in determining the cost, efficiency, and durability of the battery. For example, the project investigates new redox-active compounds based on more abundant elements to replace expensive and scarce materials. It also works on membranes that are more selective and stable, preventing energy loss through unwanted crossover of chemicals. At the same time, advanced electrode structures are being designed to speed up reactions and reduce resistance inside the cell. What makes this research unique is the integrated approach: instead of optimizing each part separately, the project looks at how all components interact when combined into a working battery. By matching the chemistry of the electrolytes with the properties of membranes and the design of electrodes, the goal is to create systems where the whole performs far better than the sum of its parts. Testing under realistic conditions will provide insight into how these new materials behave in practice, and how they can be scaled up for future applications.
Through this work, the project aims to deliver redox flow batteries that are more efficient, longer-lasting, and significantly cheaper. Such advances would represent an important step forward for renewable energy, providing a reliable way to balance supply and demand on the electricity grid. In the long run, this research could help pave the way for a cleaner and more resilient energy system.