Polysulfide flow batteries enabled by percolating nanoscale conductor networks.

摘要: A new approach to flow battery design is demonstrated wherein diffusion-limited aggregation of nanoscale conductor particles at ∼1 vol % concentration used impart mixed electronic-ionic conductivity redox solutions, forming electrodes with embedded current collector networks that self-heal after shear. Lithium polysulfide cathodes this architecture exhibit electrochemical activity distributed throughout the volume rather than being confined surfaces stationary collectors. The network enables cycling solutions deep into precipitation regimes historically have shown poor capacity utilization and reversibility may thereby enable designs higher energy density lower system cost. half-flow cells operating in both continuous intermittent mode are for first time.