Determining Performance Limits for Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

In this work, we explore the limits of performance and energy density of a non-aqueous redox flow battery under ideal conditions. We compared the performance of an organic redox couple in a symmetric cell to that of a vanadium redox flow cell. Based on cycling performance, we expect that ­– when losses from separators and poor ionic conductivity are minimized – a non-aqueous flow cell operating at 3.5 V should have a 35% higher energy density than V 4/5+ couple in aqueous system at 100 mA∙cm -2 current density for a system that could operate at 3.5 V.