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The vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is a potential sustainable energy storage system. The ion exchange membrane (IEM) used in the VRFB battery prevents the cathode or anode from short-circuiting, and prevents electrolyte crossover and side reactions. The membrane conducts protons to keep the cell electrically neutral.
To date, the most widely used IEM for VRFB is perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane. However, the severe vanadium ion penetration of the PFSA membrane will reduce the battery life and cause poor battery performance.
A research team led by Professor Li Huiyun, Professor Yu Shuhui and Dr. Ye Jiaye from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences designed a hybrid film based on two-dimensional nano-hybrid materials that can enhance the performance of VRFB.
The research was published on "Advanced Functional Materials" on November 9, 2021.
In the newly designed membrane, graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets are installed in the PFSA matrix as a "barrier" to reduce vanadium ion penetration. Tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanoparticles are grown in situ on the surface of GO nanosheets to overcome the electrostatic effect and improve the dispersion and hydrophilicity of GO nanosheets.
These hydrophilic tungsten trioxide nanoparticles on the surface of GO nanosheets act as proton active sites to promote proton transport.
Dr. Ye Jiaye, the first author of the study, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
A thin layer of porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is wedged in the middle of the membrane to act as a reinforcing layer to improve membrane stability.
Under the synergistic effect of WO3@GO and PTFE layer, the hybrid membrane shows high ion selectivity. Compared with commercial Nafion membranes, VRFB single cells with improved hybrid membranes provide energy efficiency and higher coulombic efficiency.
In an early study reported in the Journal of Chemical Engineering, the research team proposed a sandwich structure composite film based on one-dimensional functionalized silicon carbide nanowires.
The scientists activated functionalized silicon carbide nanowires in a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) matrix and installed an ultra-thin porous polytetrafluoroethylene layer. This hybrid membrane not only retains good proton conductivity, but also effectively reduces the penetration of vanadium ions. This helps to enhance the performance of the VRFB unit.
These studies provide a preparation strategy for the development of high-performance IEMs for VRFB based on one-dimensional and two-dimensional modified materials. This can be extended to other areas, such as fuel cells and water treatment.
Ye, J., etc. (2021) Tungsten trioxide nanoparticles grown in situ on graphene oxide nanosheets to adjust the ion selectivity of high-performance vanadium redox flow battery membranes. Advanced functional materials. doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202109427.
Source: https://english.cas.cn/
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