Amine-Bromine Two-Electron Electrolyte for Higher-Density Flow Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow batteries suffer from low energy density due to limited utilization of bromine, which only undergoes single-electron transfer reactions, resulting in unstable further electron-loss products and high electrolyte and system costs.
Innovation Solution
A bromine-based two-electron transfer electrolyte is developed by reacting bromine monomers with amine compounds containing electron-withdrawing groups at the ortho-position of the amino group, forming N-Bromo amines, which enables a reversible two-electron transfer reaction, doubling the energy density and allowing flexible adjustment of solubility and voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bromine undergoes only single-electron transfer reaction between bromide ions and bromine monomers, then the reaction stability is improved, but the energy density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electron transfer parameter from single-electron to two-electron reaction by introducing amine compounds as mediators. The amine compound enables bromine to undergo two-electron transfer reaction, transforming the reaction mechanism parameter to achieve higher energy density while maintaining stability through the mediating role of amine compound
Solution Approach 2:
The amine compound acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates the two-electron transfer reaction. It mediates between bromide ions and bromine monomers, enabling the formation of N-Bromo amine and allowing stable two-electron transfer without direct unstable intermediate formation
2Quantity of substance
If further electron-loss products are formed from bromine monomers, then the energy density is improved, but the product stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The amine compound serves as a stabilizing intermediary that captures the further electron-loss products of bromine monomers. By forming N-Bromo amine through reaction with amine group, the unstable further electron-loss products are converted into stable compounds, maintaining both high energy density and product stability
3Productivity
If the electrolyte composition is fixed for two-electron transfer reaction, then the reaction efficiency is improved, but the flexibility in adjusting solubility and voltage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The amine compound provides multi-functionality by serving both as a mediator for two-electron transfer reaction and as a tunable component for adjusting electrolyte properties. Different amine compounds with varying solubility and electrochemical characteristics can be selected to achieve desired voltage and solubility while maintaining the two-electron transfer mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter adjustment by changing the type of amine compound used in the electrolyte. Different amine compounds offer different solubility characteristics and electrochemical potentials, allowing flexible adjustment of voltage and solubility parameters while preserving the efficient two-electron transfer reaction mechanism
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 the two-electron transfer electrolyte in flow batteries achieves high energy density, charging and discharging efficiency, and stability with low costs, suitable for distributed energy storage systems with high energy density requirements.
Implementation Method 1
reacting the bromine monomer (after further loss of electrons) with the amino group on the amine compound with an electron-withdrawing group to generate a N-Bromo amines
Implementation Method 2
the electrolyte comprises bromine ions, an amine compound with an electron-withdrawing group at the ortho-position of an amino group, and a supporting electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
An amine-bromine two electron electrolyte of flow battery and the use thereof, and a flow battery are provided. In the electrolyte, an amino compound with an electron-withdrawing group at the ortho-position of an amino group is used to react with bromine charged to a positive valence so as to form an amine-bromine compound, such that positive-valence bromine is stabilized, and a reversible two-electron transfer reaction from bromine ions to amino compounds is achieved. The amine compounds have different solubilities and produce different voltages depending on their substituent groups, and thus have extensive adjustability and applicability for use in acidic, neutral, and weak alkaline flow battery systems. Flow batteries assembled with the electrolyte prepared using this reaction has the advantages of low cost and high energy density, and can achieve a longer cycle life and higher battery efficiency.