Design of an In-Situ Spectroelectrochemical Cell to Study Redox Flow Battery Half-Reactions -Team 2

Overview

The fundamentals of a flow battery consist of a reduction and oxidation reaction to store energy. Flow batteries are currently being researched to store renewable energy but lack the knowledge of elementary steps that occur in the battery. The design of a spectroelectrochemical cell to study the working electrode can potentially fulfill the lack of research. The cell will be compatible with FTIR spectroscopy to utilize infrared energy to study the reactions that take place at the working electrode as the half-cell is charged and discharged. The cell will be composed of a working electrode, counter electrode, reference electrode, and glass cell to create the electrochemical cell. The cell will be compatible with a silicon crystal to be used for ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to directly measure the surface of the working electrode and avoid the electrolyte. The electrolyte being studied is iron suspended in 1 to 2 molar hydrochloric acid.

Objectives

1. Produce CAD drawings of prototype along with part order forms for pricing the prototype.

2. Detailed machining instructions pertaining to any needs of the project so engineering services can fabricate it.

3. Create a test matrix, test instructions, and example plots of the results expected from your prototype.

Approach

· Research spectroelectrochemical cells and FTIR techniques

· Review patents and already designs in use

· Talk to FTIR experts at Penn State

· Discussed potential prototypes with sponsor

· Created a CAD model

· Created a parts list of all material to build the prototype

· Wrote detailed instruction on completing the prototype

· Researched other ATR-FTIR test data to simulate data

Outcomes

· The CAD design was reviewed by a FTIR expert before the school shut down and confirmed that it should work on the ATR-FTIR instrument provided.

· The parts to build the cell were put together with prices and the companies that would be used to buy the material.

· Instructions for the machining of the base plate, the cell, and the cell cap were composed as well as instructions for how the cell would be used.

· Lastly relative test data was researched and reviewed to help explain what is expected from the cell.