Nanoelectrofuel Flow Battery for Electric Vehicles
Technology Description:
Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is collaborating with Argonne National Laboratory to develop a rechargeable flow battery for EVs that uses a nanotechnology-based electrochemical liquid fuel that offers over 30 times the energy density of traditional electrolytes. Flow batteries, which store chemical energy in external tanks instead of within the battery container, are typically low in energy density and therefore not well suited for transportation. However, IIT’s flow battery uses a liquid electrolyte containing a large portion of nanoparticles to carry its charge; increases its energy density while ensuring stability and low-resistance flow within the battery. IIT’s technology could enable a whole new class of high-energy-density flow batteries. This unique battery design could be manufactured domestically using an easily scalable process.
Potential Impact:
If successful, IIT’s flow battery would significantly improve the current range of electric vehicles, increase safety, reduce costs and simplify recharging through the use of a pumpable “nanoelectrofuel.”
Security:
The mass adoption of EVs would diminish the demand for petroleum, dramatically reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
Environment:
Greater use of EVs would reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, 28% of which come from the transportation sector.
Economy:
Technological advancements from the RANGE program could enable EVs to travel significantly further on a single charge at a much lower cost than that of current EVs and conventional vehicles.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Grigorii Soloveichik
Project Contact:
Prof. Carlo Segre
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
segre@iit.edu
Partners
Argonne National Laboratory
Related Projects
Release Date:
02/15/2013