Elucidating the effects of temperature on nonaqueous redox flow cell cycling performance

The impact of cell temperature is a relatively underexplored area within the burgeoning field of nonaqueous redox flow batteries (NAqRFBs). Here, we investigate the effect of elevated temperature on the performance of nonaqueous redox electrolytes and associated flow cells. Using a model compound, N-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)-ethyl)phenothiazine (MEEPT), in a propylene-carbonate-based electrolyte, we experimentally measure the temperature dependence of relevant physicochemical properties (i.e., electrolyte conductivity, viscosity, diffusivity) and electrochemical characteristics (i.e., chemical and electrochemical reversibility) across a temperature range of 30 to 70 °C. We then perform flow cell studies, finding that while ohmic and mass transport resistances decrease significantly with increases in temperature for the MEEPT/MEEPT+● redox couple, accessible electrolyte capacity gradually reduces at temperatures >50 °C. Ex-situ, post-test characterization using microelectrode voltammetry suggests that this capacity fade is due to instability of the MEEPT radical cation. Finally, using MEEPT as a posolyte and a model viologen negolyte (bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl)viologen), we assemble a full cell and perform polarization analysis, observing a 2× increase in the peak power density when the operating temperature is increased from 30 to 70 °C. Broadly, this work highlights opportunities for systematic engineering of nonaqueous electrolytes and flow cells for higher power operation at elevated temperatures.