An Exploration of Titanium Oxide Hydrate/Polyalcohol Hybrids for Solar Energy Harvesting and Storage
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Burson, Anna
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Abstract
Photo-rechargeable redox flow batteries are an emerging energy storage system that advantageously combines solar energy harvesting and storage capabilities into one device. This thesis explores inorganic/organic hybrids based on a liquid titanium oxide hydrate and various polyalcohols as novel photo-rechargeable redox flow battery electrolytes. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggested that the polyalcohol participates in the photoreduction mechanism of titanium oxide hydrate. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry on titanium oxide hydrate/glycerol hybrids enabled the development of a possible photoreduction mechanism for titanium oxide hydrate. Importantly, it is proposed that glycerol is consumed within this photoreduction reaction. Electrochemical and optical properties of titanium oxide hydrate/polyalcohol hybrids were also characterized. The voltage generated by these hybrids under UV illumination and their ability to store voltage without constant UV illumination were both dependent on the polyalcohol identity within the hybrid. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry suggested reasons for these electrochemical properties through potential differences in the stability of titanium(III). Overall, the knowledge presented in this thesis can promote a new class of photo-rechargeable redox flow battery electrolytes for more accessible solar energy generation and storage.
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Undergraduate Research Option Thesis