ReZilient

The main objective of ReZilient is to demonstrate the first non-critical-raw-materials-based zinc-air flow battery of its kind with a round trip DC efficiency ≥ 70%, daily self-discharge < 0.1%, levelised-cost-ofstorage (LCOS) ~ 0.07 €/kWh/cycle (mid-term storage) and ~ 0.43 €/kWh/cycle (long-term storage), and an expected lifetime ≥ 10 years (or 10’000 cycles).

A disruptive redox-mediated strategy for enhanced charge transfer processes is employed with the goal of confining the Zn/Zn2+ redox reaction in the negative reservoir (filled with a semi-solid zinc solution) and eliminating the electroplating process inside the cell (no dendrites) to improve battery lifetime.

This strategy paves the way for mid- to long-duration electrochemical energy storage (EES), filling the gap between short-duration EES (Li-ion, 4-6 hours) and long-duration chemical energy storage, (CES, e.g., hydrogen storage, >weeks). The ReZilient cell will allow discharge times beyond days, otherwise hampered by the formation of a cm-thick zinc anode in conventional zinc-based redox flow batteries.

Work Packages:

Project Management, Communication, and Exploitation - WP1

To coordinate and manage the project in line with the plan and the goals set, and to define and implement a coherent set of dissemination, communication and exploitation activities to maximize the impact.

Zinc Electrode - WP2

WP2 aims to develop innovative architectures/morphologies to avoid Zn dendrites formation in the negolyte electrode and to develop additives for suppressing HER.

Mediators and Catalysts - WP3

WP3 aims to identify mediators for both the negative (Zn/ZnO red/ox) and positive (mediated OER and ORR) side, and to develop catalysts for mediated OER and ORR based on non critical-raw-materials.

Modelling - WP4

WP4 supports the experimental characterization and testing of Zn electrodes, electrolyte solutions, and mediators. Results from WP4 will support the design and construction of the 0.5-1.5 kW/6kWh mZAFB stack.

TRL 4 Demonstration - WP5

WP5 aims to demonstrate the newly developed battery technology on TRL4, assess the stability and lifetime of the battery chemistry and provide input to WP6 for the battery cost analysis and business potential.

Business Potential & Pilot Design - WP6

WP6 assess the economic and environmental impact of the technology. A Pilot Concept Design will be conceived for an update of the business case of the distribution network operators and potential customers.

Portfolio management - WP7

WP7 will explore synergies and collaborations among the projects of the portfolio, to maximize the achievement of the scientific results, the exploitation potentials, the outreach opportunities with key stakeholders, the identification and overcome of major barriers to innovation for energy storage technologies.