September 7, 2024
A team of Chinese scientists has achieved a significant breakthrough in the research of aqueous organic redox flow batteries, a critical technology for energy storage and sustainability. The research, conducted by the team led by Professor Li Xianfeng and Professor Zhang Changkun from the Department of Energy Storage Technology at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Professor Li Shenghai from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, has been published in the international academic journal Nature Sustainability.
Challenges in Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries
Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional batteries due to their high energy density, environmental friendliness, and scalability. However, the development of these batteries faces several challenges, particularly in the stability and cost of organic active molecules.
Current organic active molecules are often characterized by low water solubility, poor stability, and high synthesis costs. Moreover, under non-inert gas protection, the structural stability and cycle stability of these molecules are severely challenged. The research team aimed to address these issues by developing a novel in-situ electrochemical oxidation synthesis method to prepare oxygen-resistant naphthalene derivatives.
Achievements and Implications
The research team successfully synthesized naphthalene derivatives with excellent stability as positive active molecules in liquid flow batteries. The battery, under continuous aeration of the positive electrode electrolyte, demonstrated stable cycling for more than 600 cycles (over 20 days), proving the excellent air stability of the naphthalene derivative positive active molecules.
Furthermore, the team achieved kilogram-scale synthesis of the naphthalene derivatives and successfully applied them to stack testing. To synthesize low-cost, high-stability organic active molecules, the team utilized a combination of chemical and electrochemical synthesis strategies, employing hydroxynaphthalene as the starting material.
The method is simple and efficient, eliminating the need for complex separation and purification processes, thereby simplifying the synthesis steps and reducing costs. The team also employed in-situ nuclear magnetic resonance and offline liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze the electrochemical reaction mechanisms of different structural derivatives.
Collaboration with Industry
The breakthrough in AORFB research has significant implications for the development of low-cost, high-stability active molecules for liquid flow batteries. Notably, DICP has signed a research and development agreement with China Nuclear Power Corporation HuiNeng Henan Energy Co., Ltd. on September 3, 2024, to accelerate the development of long-duration energy storage key technologies and demonstration projects for liquid flow batteries.
This collaboration aims to provide strong support and guarantees for the construction of a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy system in China.
Conclusion
The breakthrough in aqueous organic redox flow battery research represents a significant step forward in the development of sustainable energy storage solutions. The research team’s innovative approaches and successful applications of naphthalene derivatives have provided valuable insights into the design and synthesis of low-cost, high-stability active molecules for liquid flow batteries. The collaboration with industry partners further underscores the potential of AORFBs in contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Views: 0