Stanford Research - Innovating Flow Battery Technology at Stanford’s GLAM Lab: My Journey Under Professor Cui and Postdoctoral Mentor Yuqi Li

As an aspiring engineer passionate about sustainable energy, I had the incredible opportunity to work at Stanford University's Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials (GLAM) in the summer of 2024. Under the guidance of Professor Yi Cui, a pioneer in energy materials research, and my mentor, Postdoctoral Fellow Yuqi Li, I embarked on a research project focused on zinc and manganese sulfate aqueous flow batteries—an emerging technology with the potential to transform energy storage.

Aqueous Flow Batteries: A Pathway to Cheaper, Safer Energy Storage

Flow batteries are a key player in the future of renewable energy. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, which store energy in solid-state materials, flow batteries use liquid electrolytes to store and transfer energy. This makes them safer, longer-lasting, and more scalable for grid-scale energy storage—critical as the world shifts towards renewable energy sources.

Our focus in the GLAM lab was on zinc and manganese sulfate aqueous flow batteries. These materials offer an environmentally friendly, low-cost alternative to the rare and expensive elements used in conventional battery technologies. Zinc and manganese are abundant, inexpensive, and non-toxic, which aligns with the sustainability goals of the project.

My Role: Experimentation and Innovation

Over the course of two months, my role involved both hands-on experimentation and problem-solving. My work in the lab included:

• Exploring New Construction Techniques: One of our primary objectives was to find ways to simplify the battery's construction process, reducing its cost and complexity. This involved experimenting with different cell designs and materials to optimize efficiency and scalability.

• Running Experiments and Collecting Data: I conducted experiments to test the electrochemical performance of various configurations. From analyzing charge-discharge cycles to measuring energy efficiencies, I gathered data crucial to understanding the limitations and potential improvements of the batteries.

• Collaborating with Experts: My mentor, Yuqi Li, played a pivotal role in my development. Through one-on-one guidance, I learned the intricacies of battery chemistry and the delicate balance needed to improve flow battery performance without compromising durability or cost-effectiveness.

The Bigger Picture: Scaling Renewable Energy

The work I did at the GLAM lab was about more than just experimenting with new battery materials. It was part of a larger movement to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: making renewable energy viable at scale. To truly replace fossil fuels, we need efficient, cost-effective, and scalable ways to store the energy generated by wind, solar, and other renewable sources. Zinc and manganese flow batteries are one potential solution.

I was also able to witness the sheer interdisciplinarity of modern scientific research. Energy storage technology is as much a materials science problem as it is a chemistry or engineering challenge. Collaborating with experts from different fields opened my eyes to how integrated scientific innovation is in practice.

Looking Ahead

My experience in the GLAM lab has not only deepened my understanding of energy materials but has also solidified my desire to pursue further research in renewable energy storage. As we continue to move toward a more sustainable future, the lessons I learned from Professor Cui and Yuqi Li will undoubtedly guide my future endeavors.

The work being done in Stanford’s GLAM lab is laying the groundwork for the energy storage solutions of tomorrow, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of that journey. I look forward to applying the skills and knowledge I gained to help drive the future of sustainable energy.