University of Waterloo researchers redesigned porous flow-battery electrodes to improve electrolyte movement and energy-storage reactions.

University of Waterloo researchers redesigned the porous electrode, a key component of a redox flow battery, using structures inspired by nature. The new electrode is intended to let electrolyte move through the battery more smoothly and efficiently.

Improved electrolyte movement promotes more complete reactions for storing and releasing energy. The report connected the design with storing large quantities of electricity produced by wind and solar generation.

The research was published in the Journal of Energy Storage. The supplied source did not state a percentage improvement in efficiency, energy density, cycle life, cost, or electrolyte flow rate, and it did not describe the work as a commercial deployment.