Making a Nanoelectrofuel Flow Battery

We are currently in the first year of an ARPA-E project to produce a prototype nanoelectrofuel flow battery. This new battery concept marries the traditional solid state battery with a flow battery to obtain higher energy densities and reduction in packaging weight. Successful development of this new battery format requires the ability to charge and discharge nanoparticle suspensions by transient contact with the electrodes. While the basic effect has been demonstrated, many challenges lie ahead. Notably the ability to make efficient and high capacity battery materials in nanoparticle form. In order to understand the differences between battery materials in macroscopic (micron-sized) and nanoparticle form, we are using x-ray absorption spectroscopy to probe the structure of materials as they are electrochemically cycled. I will present some initial results on our in-situ studies of anode lithiation and discuss our future plans.