Preface

This book discusses the scientific and technical principles underpinning the major energy storage technologies, including traditional and new battery systems, such as lithium, redox flow, and regenerative batteries as well as bioelectrochemical processes. It discusses the significant advancements that have been achieved in the development of methods and materials for various storage systems.

The first section discusses the higher power regenerative battery discharger for nuclear power plants and provides information on energy storage and conversion devices, integration of devices and systems to communicate, recent progress on current technologies, and ideas for the next generation. This section also discusses redox flow batteries with emphasis on graphite-filled thermoplasticbased composites. This composite is a suitable material for bipolar plates in redox flow battery applications. Unlike metals, composite plates can provide exceptional resistance to the highly aggressive chemical environment at elevated temperatures in combination with an electrochemical potential in battery operation.

The second section discusses the present structure of the lithium-ion supply chain, with an emphasis on raw material production, as well as the need for and problems connected with getting enough financing in an industry that has not seen rapid expansion. This section also details the role of electrolytes in Li-ion batteries. Most of the electrolytes utilized minimize internal resistance. However, they are not electrochemically stable and have caused serious issues such as electrode reactivity, dissolution of electrode ions, leakage, volatility, and rapid Li dendrite development. Hence an ionic liquid (IL)-based polymer electrolyte is used over liquid electrolyte in which the IL acts as a plasticizer and improves ionic conductivity and amorphicity. Because of their excellent thermal and electrochemical stability, these electrolytes can be utilized in high-voltage Li batteries. Furthermore, their mechanical stability aids in the suppression of Li dendrite development. As a result, polymer electrolytes may pave the way for a new era in battery applications.

The third and final section addresses the concepts, accomplishments, and potential trends in energy generation by microbial fuel cells (MFCs), as well as processes in biotechnology and wastewater treatment by microbial electrolysis cells. MFCs have received a lot of attention due to their moderate operating conditions and use of a range of biodegradable substrates as fuel to create a lot of energy or efficiently treat pollutants. To demonstrate their performance, the issues faced by the electrode

materials need to be addressed. Hence this section also discusses electrode materials and their functions.

This book is useful for students and teachers alike for its thoughtful account of core concepts.
