Open AccessIn operando visualization of redox flow battery in membrane-free microfluidic platform
Author(s) -
Hyungjoo Park,
Giyun Kwon,
Hyomin Lee,
Kyunam Lee,
Soo Young Park,
Ji Eon Kwon,
Kisuk Kang,
Sung Jae Kim
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2114947119
Subject(s) - electrokinetic phenomena , microfluidics , electrochemistry , battery (electricity) , nanotechnology , redox , flow battery , chemistry , membrane , electrode , materials science , energy storage , electrochemical energy conversion , visualization , computer science , thermodynamics , power (physics) , physics , biochemistry , artificial intelligence , electrolyte , organic chemistry
Significance The current study investigates fundamentals of electrochemical reactions using the membrane-free redox flow battery (RFB) platform with a laminar strategy and colorimetry of multiredox organic molecules. Taking advantage of unique color changes of electrolytes depending on the state of charge, we analyze the electrochemical kinetics of the RFB system in terms of charge and mass transfer. It is verified that a balanced rate of charge and mass transfer significantly affects the battery performance. Furthermore, a classical physicochemical hydrodynamic equation is adopted for scaling analysis of the depletion region deteriorating battery performance. We successfully integrate analytical, numerical, and experimental data for elucidating the depletion region. Based on these fundamental studies, finally, a favorable design is suggested for performance enhancement.