Conjugation-Fused Bipolar Redox Molecules for High-Voltage Flow Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current redox flow batteries (RFBs) face limitations such as low output voltage, cross-contamination between cathode and anode electrolytes, and low solubility of active materials, which hinder their performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Conjugation-fused bipolar redox-active molecules (BRMs) are developed, combining p-type and n-type redox active centers in a single molecular unit to regulate redox potential and increase output voltage, while maintaining high solubility and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional redox-active molecules are used in symmetric redox flow batteries, then the chemical concentration gradient is reduced and cross-contamination is mitigated, but the output voltage remains low due to small voltage gap between redox reactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-contamination mitigationVSAvoidoutput voltage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular structure parameters by fusing p-type and n-type redox-active units into a single bipolar molecule, which fundamentally alters the redox potential parameters. This structural parameter change enables independent regulation of oxidation and reduction potentials, thereby increasing the voltage gap and output voltage while maintaining the symmetric battery configuration that mitigates cross-contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite molecular structure by combining p-type (electron-donating) and n-type (electron-withdrawing) redox-active units within a single bipolar molecule. This molecular-level composite structure enables simultaneous optimization of both redox reactions, achieving high voltage gap for improved power output while maintaining the chemical compatibility needed for cross-contamination mitigation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If traditional pairing of cathode and anode materials is used, then the battery structure is simple, but the chemical/electrochemical properties cannot be regulated and solubility remains low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery structureVSAvoidsolubility of active materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The bipolar redox-active molecule serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both cathode and anode active material, provides regulated redox potentials, and enhances solubility through its molecular structure. This multi-functionality allows a single molecular design to address multiple performance requirements while maintaining a relatively simple symmetric battery structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies molecular parameters such as introducing carbonyl groups and adjusting conjugation structures to enhance the solubility of the bipolar redox-active molecules. These parameter changes in molecular structure directly improve the solubility of active materials without requiring complex battery configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If redox-active molecules are modified to improve solubility and stability, then the material performance is enhanced, but the redox potential regulation and voltage gap expansion are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolubility and stabilityVSAvoidvoltage gap between redox reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simultaneously optimizes multiple molecular parameters: introducing carbonyl groups for enhanced solubility, extending conjugation for improved stability, and strategically positioning p-type and n-type units to regulate redox potentials. This multi-parameter optimization achieves both improved solubility/stability and expanded voltage gap in a unified molecular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 conjugation-fused BRMs enhance the voltage gap between redox reactions, leading to higher output voltage, reduced cross-contamination, and extended battery life, with improved solubility and stability in electrolyte solvents.

Implementation Method 1

combining p-type and n-type redox active centers into a single molecular unit, allowing for regulation of redox potential and increased output voltage by intra-molecular charge transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntra-molecular charge transfer:

Implementation Method 2

the p-type redox active center and the n-type redox active center are fused in a molecular unit by conjugation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConjugation:

Implementation Method 3

organic bipolar redox-active molecules (BRMs) can either lose electrons first and undergo an oxidation reaction or gain electrons first and undergo a reduction reaction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS12617804B2Conjugation-fused bipolar redox-active molecule, preparation method, and application thereof

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 HANGZHOU NORMAL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a conjugation-fused bipolar redox-active molecule and its preparation method and application. The bipolar redox-active molecule includes a p-type redox active center and an n-type redox active center. The p-type redox active center and the n-type redox active center are fused in a molecular unit by conjugation.