We are delighted to announce the next in series of our fortnightly webinars.
Please join us on Friday (26th June) @1400 for an insightful talk by Dr Rhodri Jervis from the Department of Chemical Engineering at University College London (UCL).
Title: X-ray Tomography as a Tool for Characterisation of Redox Flow Battery Electrodes
Abstract: Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are seen as a promising technology for grid-scale storage given their rapid reversibility and separation of power and energy capacities, the latter being dependent purely on the volume of electrolyte utilised in the device. Most RFBs employ carbon fibre based electrodes that act as both the reaction surface for redox half-reactions and the diffusion medium through which the electrolyte is flowed. Understanding of the microstructure of the carbon electrodes is therefore vital in order to understand how the batteries behave under different conditions.
Recently, the potential of X-ray imaging as a diagnostic tool for the performance of carbon felts has been demonstrated, and the use of structural information obtained from X-ray computed tomography (CT) in modelling of the pressure drop at varied compression has been explored. X-ray CT has also recently been used in the characterisation and modelling of electrospun fibrous mats with fibre sizes much smaller than those used in commercially available carbon felts.
In this talk I will discuss the use of in situ X-ray CT for the determination of various parameters such as porosity, tortuosity factor and pore size distribution of flow battery materials. In addition, the Lattice Boltzmann method is applied to structures obtained from X-ray CT of electrospun carbon fibre mats in order to understand the fluid flow properties of the electrode materials from their microstructure.
To register, please follow this link.
As we all adjust to social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the STFC Batteries Network is taking steps to stay connected through online engagement with an expanded webinar programme. If you have any suggestions for us or if we can offer you any specific assistance, please let us know.