Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are a promising solution to grid-scale energy storage that utilize solvated redox-active species to store charge. These electrolytes are flowed over stationary electrodes during charge and discharge cycling. However, solubilizing the charge storage species allows for their crossover through the separating membrane, causing electrolyte mixing, and leads to capacity fade and battery failure. Herein, we employ a series of trimethylammonium-functionalized polyethylene membranes in RFB cells to address membrane swelling in organic solvent while maintaining high counterion (PF6 –) conduction. We show unprecedented results with 99.99% average capacity retention per cycle and 88% total capacity retention through 1000 charge/discharge cycles with low crossover, as compared to a commercial membrane often used in nonaqueous RFB (NARFB) studies which retained 36% capacity. Our results represent a critical step in developing and understanding anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) as separators for NARFBs and other electrochemical systems employing organic solvents.

Bioelectrocatalytic synthesis is the conversion of electrical energy into value‐added products using biocatalysts. These methods merge the specificity and selectivity of biocatalysis and energy‐related electrocatalysis to address challenges in the sustainable synthesis of pharmaceuticals, commodity chemicals, fuels, feedstocks and fertilizers. However, the specialized experimental setups and domain knowledge for bioelectrocatalysis pose a significant barrier to adoption. This review introduces key concepts of bioelectrosynthetic systems. We provide a tutorial on the methods of biocatalyst utilization, the setup of bioelectrosynthetic cells, and the analytical methods for assessing bioelectrocatalysts. Key applications of bioelectrosynthesis in ammonia production and small‐molecule synthesis are outlined for both enzymatic and microbial systems. This review serves as a necessary introduction and resource for the non‐specialist interested in bioelectrosynthetic research.

Redox flow battery (RFB) electrolyte degradation is a common failure mechanism in RFBs. We report an RFB using genetically engineered, phenazine-producing Escherichia coli to serve as an anolyte regeneration system...

Bioelectrocatalytic synthesis is the conversion of electrical energy into value‐added products using biocatalysts. These methods merge the specificity and selectivity of biocatalysis and energy‐related electrocatalysis to address challenges in the sustainable synthesis of pharmaceuticals, commodity chemicals, fuels, feedstocks and fertilizers. However, the specialized experimental setups and domain knowledge for bioelectrocatalysis pose a significant barrier to adoption. This review introduces key concepts of bioelectrosynthetic systems. We provide a tutorial on the methods of biocatalyst utilization, the setup of bioelectrosynthetic cells, and the analytical methods for assessing bioelectrocatalysts. Key applications of bioelectrosynthesis in ammonia production and small‐molecule synthesis are outlined for both enzymatic and microbial systems. This review serves as a necessary introduction and resource for the non‐specialist interested in bioelectrosynthetic research.