Functional electrolyte additives for sustainable aqueous Zn-MnO2 flow batteries

The proposed project aims to advance the development of sustainable aqueous Zn-MnO2 flow batteries (ZMFBs) by focusing on the understanding and manipulation of key electrochemical processes.

Through a combination of automated screening platforms and advanced characterization techniques, the project seeks to address critical challenges such as Zn dendrite formation and MnO2 electrodeposition/electrolysis mechanism, which limit the performance and scalability of ZMFBs.The research is organized into three main work packages (WPs): screening electrolyte additives for manipulating Zn plating (WP1), utilizing redox mediators for reversible MnO2 electrodeposition/electrolysis (WP2), and optimizing electrolyte pH with pH buffer for high-voltage ZMFBs (WP3).

The project will employ state-of-the-art techniques such as operando pH monitoring, and synchrotron-based operando techniques to gain insights into battery dynamics and performance.The significance of the research lies in its potential to overcome critical barriers to ZMFB commercialization, paving the way for sustainable and economically viable grid-scale energy storage solutions.

Furthermore, the project will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, both nationally and internationally, and contribute to the advancement of renewable energy storage technologies.

Overall, the proposed research holds significant scientific, societal, and economic implications, positioning it as a pivotal contribution to the field of energy storage.