Aminated Lignin Electrolytes for Higher-Density Flow Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current redox flow batteries face challenges such as high costs of active materials, low cell and system performance, poor cycle life, and toxicity, limiting their widespread adoption for large-scale energy storage applications, especially with inorganic redox materials that are expensive and pose environmental risks.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel substituted low molecular weight aromatic compounds derived from lignin or other organic sources, which serve as redox active species in redox flow batteries, offering improved solubility, electrochemical properties, and reduced toxicity, enabling the creation of cost-effective and efficient energy storage solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If inorganic redox materials are used in redox flow batteries, then energy storage capacity is improved, but cost and toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters from inorganic redox materials to organic compounds derived from lignin, specifically using substituted aromatic compounds with redox-active groups. This parameter change maintains energy storage capacity while eliminating the toxicity associated with inorganic materials like vanadium salts and bromine
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs organic compounds from lignin that are inexpensive and can be readily replaced or regenerated. These organic redox materials are cheaper than precious-metal electrocatalysts and transition metals, and the system allows for easier replacement of depleted materials without complex recovery processes
2Quantity of substance
If inorganic redox materials are used in redox flow batteries, then energy storage capacity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from expensive inorganic redox materials to inexpensive organic compounds derived from lignin. The substituted aromatic compounds with redox-active groups provide comparable energy storage capacity at significantly lower cost, eliminating dependence on vanadium salts, bromine, or precious-metal electrocatalysts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes lignin, a abundant byproduct from the paper and pulp industry, as the feedstock for producing redox-active organic compounds. This self-service approach converts waste material into valuable energy storage materials, eliminating the need for expensive raw material procurement and processing
3Reliability
If conventional redox flow battery systems are used, then energy storage is achieved, but cell and system performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite organic molecules combining aromatic structures with redox-active groups (such as quinone, hydroquinone, or other electron-transfer capable moieties). These composite molecular structures exhibit superior electrochemical properties including higher conductivity, faster reaction kinetics, and enhanced stability compared to conventional inorganic redox materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes molecular parameters of the organic redox compounds, including substitution patterns, molecular weight, and functional group composition, to enhance electrochemical performance. The substituted aromatic structures provide improved electron transfer rates and higher operating potentials, directly increasing cell and system productivity
4Reliability
If conventional redox flow battery systems are used, then energy storage is achieved, but cycle life is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical stability parameters by using aromatic compounds with robust substituted structures. The redox-active organic molecules exhibit resistance to degradation during repeated charge-discharge cycles, maintaining their electrochemical activity over extended periods and significantly extending battery cycle life compared to conventional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily replaceable organic redox materials that can be easily replenished when depleted. The simple molecular structures of the substituted aromatic compounds allow for straightforward regeneration or replacement, enabling long-term operational reliability through periodic maintenance rather than requiring extremely durable materials
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of these substituted aromatic compounds provides redox flow batteries with enhanced energy density, increased operating potential, and extended lifetime, addressing the limitations of existing technologies while promoting the utilization of renewable energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
Redox reactions are employed to store energy in the form of a chemical potential in liquid electrolyte solutions which flow through a battery of electrochemical cells during charge and discharge
Implementation Method 2
The stored electrochemical energy can be converted to electrical energy upon discharge with concomitant reversal of the opposite redox reactions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel lignin-derived compounds and compositions comprising the same and their use as redox flow battery electrolytes. The invention further provides a method for preparing said compounds and compositions as well as a redox flow battery comprising said compounds and compositions. Additionally, an assembly for carrying out the inventive method is provided.