Electrochemical Energy Storage

Introduction

Electrochemistry is the study of chemical reactions which cause electron movement (electricity). These reactions produce a lot energy which can be harnessed if we can understand how the reactions work and how to utilise them.

Learning objectives:
1. Learn about energy storage solutions
2. Understand how electrochemistry reactions are measured
3. Calculate the performance of a battery

What do these all have in common?
- Mobile phone
- Electric car
- Laptop
- Smartwatch

Hint:
How are they powered?

Answer:
They are all powered by batteries!

Electrochemical reactions are happening all around us! In our phones, laptops, smart watches and electric cars. Batteries harness the energy produced from electrochemical reactions which allow us to use devices for hours on end.

Energy storage is become an important problem in the fight against climate change.
Sustainable energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels are great at producing energy for us to use. However, wind turbines are dependent on how windy a particular day is, and solar panels need the sun to produce electricity. These variable energy sources mean we need to store energy so that we can use it in the night when there is no sun, or when there is no wind.

One of the most common energy storage solutions are batteries which are incredibly useful for small to medium sized portable devices. Another solution is redox flow batteries which are useful for large-scale industrial size energy storage. In this resource we will look at these electrochemical energy storages as well are understanding how these reactions can be measured and understood.

Get started by clicking the resources below and test your knowledge at the end by trying the quiz!