Multi-phase electrochemical cells and related systems and methods

Abstract

Multi-phase electrochemical cells and related systems and methods are generally described.

1 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . An electrochemical cell, comprising:
 a first region comprising a first electrode active material; and   a second region in electrochemical communication with the first region, the second region comprising a second electrode active material;   wherein:
 the first region comprises a non-polar liquid; and 
 the first electrode active material comprises an electroactive species in the form of a dissolved gas within the non-polar liquid. 
   
     
     
         33 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein the dissolved gas comprises Cl 2 . 
     
     
         34 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 33 , wherein the second electrode active material comprises Zn. 
     
     
         35 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein the non-polar liquid comprises carbon tetrachloride. 
     
     
         36 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein a gravimetric energy density of the electrochemical cell is between 100 and 700 Wh/kg. 
     
     
         37 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein a volumetric energy density of the electrochemical cell is between 100 and 700 Wh/L. 
     
     
         38 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein a temperature of operation of the electrochemical cell is less than or equal to 100° C. 
     
     
         39 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein a temperature of operation of the electrochemical cell is less than or equal to 20° C. 
     
     
         40 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein a temperature of operation of the electrochemical cell is less than or equal to −30° C. 
     
     
         41 . An energy storage device comprising the electrochemical cell of  claim 32 . 
     
     
         42 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein the electroactive species within the non-polar liquid is substantially absent from the second region. 
     
     
         43 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein at least one liquid-liquid phase boundary is present between the first region and the second region. 
     
     
         44 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , further comprising an electronically conductive material between the first region and the second region. 
     
     
         45 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein there is no membrane between the first region and the second region. 
     
     
         46 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein a product of an electrochemical reaction of the electroactive species within the non-polar liquid has a solubility of less than 1 g/L in the non-polar liquid. 
     
     
         47 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein the second electrode active material comprises Mg, Al, Ca, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Bi, Cu, Sn, Pb, Ag, Au, Cr, Pt, Cd, Te, Pd, Co, Ti, Mn, La, Sr, Eu, Ra, Zr, Y, Sc, and/or V. 
     
     
         48 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein, when the electrochemical cell is subjected to a charge/discharge cycle, the second electrode active material is precipitated and dissolved. 
     
     
         49 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 32 , wherein the liquid within the first region and the liquid within the second region are immiscible. 
     
     
         50 . A method, comprising:
 charging and discharging an electrochemical cell comprising:
 a first region comprising a first electrode active material; and 
 a second region in electrochemical communication with the first region, the second region comprising a second electrode active material; 
   wherein:
 the first region comprises a non-polar liquid; and 
 the first electrode active material comprises an electroactive species in the form of a dissolved gas within the non-polar liquid during at least a portion of the charging and/or discharging.