Sugar, a sweet treat and medicine additive, has demonstrated its potential to enhance the capacity and longevity of next-generation flow batteries in a groundbreaking experiment.
Researchers from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have successfully utilized β-cyclodextrin, a dissolved simple sugar derived from starch, to optimize the performance of flow batteries.
60% Increase in Peak Power
By optimizing the chemical ratios in the system, the researchers achieved a remarkable 60% increase in peak power. They conducted continuous charge and discharge cycles for over a year, only concluding the experiment when the plastic tubing failed.
Remarkably, the flow battery maintained its activity with minimal capacity loss throughout the entire duration of the test, marking the first laboratory-scale flow battery experiment to achieve over a year of continuous use.
The use of β-cyclodextrin in the flow battery is not only significant for extending battery life but also for expediting the electrochemical reactions responsible for energy storage and release, according to the team.
This approach, known as homogeneous catalysis, allows the sugar additive to function while dissolved in the liquid electrolyte, eliminating the risk of solid materials causing system complications.
Flow batteries, characterized by two chambers filled with different liquids, are designed for electrical grid energy storage. These batteries charge through an electrochemical reaction and store energy in chemical bonds, releasing it when connected to an external circuit.
The significance of developing new types of flow batteries lies in their potential to address the growing need for large-scale energy storage, which acts as an insurance policy against disruptions to the electrical grid.
As renewable energy sources become more prevalent, the demand for energy storage facilities will continue to rise.
The successful implementation of β-cyclodextrin in the flow battery represents a major step forward in this endeavor. The research team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory aims to further improve the system by exploring other compounds similar to β-cyclodextrin.
Although the sugar additive thickens the liquid electrolyte, posing challenges for flowability, its catalytic benefits outweigh this drawback.
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US Patent Application
The intricate chemical processes involved in improving the flow battery design necessitated the collaboration of a team of scientists specializing in organic and chemical synthesis.
Their commitment to advancing grid-scale energy storage solutions has resulted in the submission of a US patent application for innovative battery design.
The incorporation of sugar in flow batteries offers a promising pathway for advancing energy storage technologies and achieving a more sustainable and efficient grid system.
"We cannot always dig the Earth for new materials," said Imre Gyuk, director of energy storage research at DOE's Office of Electricity.
"We need to develop a sustainable approach with chemicals that we can synthesize in large amounts-just like the pharmaceutical and the food industries."
The findings of the team were published in the journal Joule.
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