Originally published in Scientia, Feb 4, 2025
Revolutionizing energy production has been integral to combatting climate change and reducing our dependence on limited natural resources, but complementary advances in energy storage have been lacking. Dr Thomas Guarr and Dr David Hickey from Michigan State University lead their team in investigating a counterintuitive molecular mechanism which could support a wave of green, renewable, and cheap batteries. If practical, this technology might be the crucial leap towards an entirely green energy system.
Non-aqueous Redox Flow Batteries
As climate change and dwindling resources loom, the world moves towards green and renewable energy. Though steadily successful, these efforts must be mirrored in the development of green and renewable energy storage. The battery technology integral to our power grids has, therefore, become a major research focus. Non-aqueous redox flow batteries (NRFBs) are a promising renewable, environmentally friendly, and cheap alternative to the predominant lithium-ion battery.
As with other batteries, NRFBs are comprised of two chambers containing negatively and positively charged particles, or electrolytes, respectively. The charge difference between chambers fuels an electrical circuit through which energy can be stored or extracted. NRFBs replace standard electrolytes like lithium with what are called redox-active organic molecules (ROMs). ROMs are synthesized from renewable sources, and when the positive and negative electrolytes are linked together in what is termed a ‘symmetric battery’, only a ~2$/m2 separator is needed to divide the chambers, replacing ~800$/m2 selective membranes.