Directional molecular transport in iron redox flow batteries by interfacial electrostatic forces

Abstract

The mounting global energy demand urges surplus electricity generation. Due to dwindling fossil resources and environmental concerns, shifting from carbon-based fuels to renewables is vital. Though renewables are affordable, their intermittent nature poses supply challenges. In these contexts, aqueous flow batteries (AFBs), are a viable energy storage solution. This study tackles AFBs' energy density and efficiency challenges. Conventional strategies focus on altering molecule’s solubility but overlook interface’s transport kinetics. We show that triggering electrostatic forces at the interface can significantly enhance the mass transport kinetics of redox active molecules by introducing a powerful electrostatic flux over the diffusional flux, thereby exerting a precise directionality on the molecular transport. This approach of controlling the directionality of molecular flux in an all iron redox flow battery amplifies the current and power rating with approximately 140 % enhancement in the energy density.