Organoaluminum Flow Battery Analytes

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed an improved redox flow battery (RFB) for intermittent renewable energy applications such as wind, solar, and tidal. The device provides high-density energy storage and transfer without losing capacity over time and frequent replacement as with traditional lithium batteries.

Full Description

Intermittent energy generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, tidal, and waves produces energy when it is not needed; therefore, it must be stored in batteries for future use. Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are an emerging solution for storing intermittent energy on a large scale due to their long lifetimes, high energy densities, and scalability. RFBs utilize the potential difference between a set of redox couples, typically solution-based, to interconvert chemical and electrical energy via reduction and oxidation at the respective electrodes. However, current technology generally relies on vanadium, which has low energy density due to small voltage cells and low solubility.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a new class of RFBs that use a non-aqueous electrolyte solution for the negative and positive compartments, with a separator comprising a Ferrocene (Fc)-substituted organometallic complex. Fc-substituted organometallic complexes offer more electron transfer via organic ligands. The construction of their RFBs enables multi-electron charge carriers to enhance energy density, storage, and transfer.

Applications

• Energy storage and transfer for intermittent power generation.

Features/Benefits

• A high-density RFB that can store more energy and facilitate efficient transfer compared to traditional RFB designs. 
• Scalable for extensive renewable energy generation facilities 
• They have longer lifespan than lithium-ion batteries and do not lose capacity over time.

Patent Status

Patent Pending