Chrome and cobalt-based novel electrolyte systems for redox flow batteries

Abstract

In the present work, novel redox ion-pairs (as cobalt and chromium) have been used in aqueous medium for the first time in the literature as electrolyte component of redox flow battery system. The electrochemical performance of the Co(II) and Cr(III) redox species as anolyte and catholyte was investigated by cyclic charge-discharge tests, respectively. Electrochemical behaviors of Cr(III) solutions in sulfuric acid solution were determined by using differential pulse voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry via a typical three-electrode system. Morphological analyses of surface of pencil graphite electrode, which was used as anode in differential pulse voltammetric analysis, were done by scanning electron microscopy. Discharge capacity of the battery system consisting of 1.0 M Cr(III) as anolyte (negative electrolyte) and 1.0 M of Co(II) as catholyte (positive electrolyte) in 4.0 M of sulfuric acid was determined as 682.5 mAh (1.4 Ah L-1) with 4 mA cm(-2) charge current density and 0.4 mA cm(-2) discharge current density. Voltage efficiency, energy efficiency and coulombic efficiency of the battery were 70.1%, 53.8% and 57.2%, respectively. The discharge cell potential of the battery was also determined as 1.40 V.