Development of flow battery technologies using the principles of sustainable chemistry

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis of flow battery technologies from the aspect of sustainable chemistry is provided and 9 principles have been proposed to evaluate a flow battery's technical and environmental sustainability.

In Situ Polymerized Quasi-Solid Electrolytes Compounded with Ionic Liquid Empowering Long-Life Cycling of 4.45 V Lithium–Metal Battery

“…The studies of clean new energy represent a crucial avenue for realizing the dual-carbon strategy. , Lithium (Li) can be effectively used in lithium–metal batteries (LMBs) for high-density energy storage owing to its high theoretical specific capacity (3860 mAh g –1 ) and low electrochemical potential [−3.04 V vs standard hydrogen electrode (SHE)]. − Apart from inherent safety concerns (flammable and explosive), liquid organic electrolyte-based LMBs suffer from issues such as uneven lithium deposition, a fragile and unstable Li/electrolyte interface leading to dendrite growth, membrane penetration, and low battery lifespan, , which impede the practical application of LMBs. Although strategies such as the careful selection of additives in electrolyte, coating technique for surface construction, and rational design of three-dimensional current collectors can protect the Li anode of liquid electrolyte-based LMBs, the inherent instability and safety concerns of the Li/electrolyte interface owing to liquid electrolytes have not been fundamentally addressed.…”

“…The studies of clean new energy represent a crucial avenue for realizing the dual-carbon strategy. 1,2 Lithium (Li) can be effectively used in lithium−metal batteries (LMBs) for highdensity energy storage owing to its high theoretical specific capacity (3860 mAh g −1 ) and low electrochemical potential [−3.04 V vs standard hydrogen electrode (SHE)]. 3−5 Apart from inherent safety concerns (flammable and explosive), liquid organic electrolyte-based LMBs suffer from issues such as uneven lithium deposition, a fragile and unstable Li/ electrolyte interface leading to dendrite growth, membrane penetration, and low battery lifespan, 6,7 which impede the practical application of LMBs.…”

Zinc–Air Flow Batteries at the Nexus of Materials Innovation and Reaction Engineering

“…First, the nonflammable aqueous electrolyte and Zn anode with mild reactivity endow ZAFBs with higher inherent safety than high-temperature (HT) sodium-based batteries and lithium-ion batteries that adopt either highly reactive molten sodium or flammable organic electrolytes. Second, ZAFBs are characterized with a remarkable theoretical specific energy of 1086 Wh kg –1 , which is higher than those of not only other aqueous Zn-based batteries (e.g., Zn–bromine: 440 Wh kg –1 ) but also the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) (50 Wh kg –1 ) . Third, ZABs are among room-temperature battery chemistries with the lowest chemical cost .…”

“…Second, ZAFBs are characterized with a remarkable theoretical specific energy of 1086 Wh kg −1 , 24 which is higher than those of not only other aqueous Zn-based batteries (e.g., Zn−bromine: 440 Wh kg −1 ) but also the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) (50 Wh kg −1 ). 25 ZABs are among room-temperature battery chemistries with the lowest chemical cost. 26 Although a part of these advantages have been recognized in previous reviews of rechargeable ZABs, 23,24,27,28 Zn-based flow batteries, 29,30 and primary Zn− air fuel cells (ZAFCs), 31 a comprehensive overview spanning from historical milestones to the latest advance in ZAFB research is still lacking.…”

Solubility and Stability of Redox-Active Organic Molecules in Redox Flow Batteries

“…While vanadium and zinc/bromine have been used in commercial aqueous RFBs, , rising vanadium costs and issues with zinc/bromide reactions such as dendritic Zn growth and corrosion have prompted the search for new redox-active materials. − Redox-active organic molecules (ROMs) potentially replace vanadium and zinc/bromine. Abundant hydrocarbon sources, forming the basis of most ROMs, offer cost advantages aided by simple synthetic processes and cost-effective scaling methods (Figure b). − Selecting redox cores in ROMs derived from well-established redox mediators ensures the electrochemical stability and rapid electron transfer. ROMs function as either negative electrolyte (called negolyte or anolyte) or positive electrolyte (posolyte or catholyte) in RFBs according to their redox potentials (Figure c).…”