The project will focus on the development of an all-iron redox flow battery, particularly employing non-aqueous electrolytes. Although all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) have been successfully developed and commercialized, their widespread deployment is constrained by resource availability and cost, especially in the Indian context. In this regard, iron-based redox flow batteries present a promising and more sustainable alternative. However, several challenges remain for iron-based systems. One of the most significant limitations is the low plating efficiency of iron in aqueous media, which adversely affects performance and cycling stability. Recent work in our laboratory has explored the use of non-aqueous electrolytes, where improved plating behavior has been observed. This opens up a viable pathway for leveraging the multiple oxidation states of iron to design an efficient and stable redox flow battery system. The project will primarily involve experimental investigations, complemented by basic modelling efforts, aimed at developing a practical and efficient all-iron redox flow battery. Importantly, students undertaking this project are not expected to have prior experience in electrochemistry, as the necessary background will be developed during the course of the work.

(1) Anwar, M. S.; Sarkar, A. Iron-Tungsten Redox Flow Battery. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2021, 168 (10), 100540. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac3160.

(2) Hruska, L. W.; Savinell, R. F. Investigation of Factors Affecting Performance of the Iron‐Redox Battery. J. Electrochem. Soc. 1981, 128 (1), 18–25. https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2127366.