DMTD Metal Salt Electrolytes With One-Step Redox Flow Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current organic chemistry methods for redox flow batteries are complex, expensive, and generate significant waste, requiring multiple steps and expensive starting materials.
Innovation Solution
Development of new metal salts of 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (DMTD) that can be synthesized in one or two steps using inexpensive raw materials, with minimal waste generation, and are suitable for use in redox flow batteries as electrolytes, including derivatives with alkali or alkaline earth metals like lithium, sodium, and potassium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional organic chemistry methods are used to produce redox flow battery electrolytes, then the products can be obtained with desired chemical properties, but the process requires multiple steps, expensive starting materials, and generates large quantities of waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synthesis process into distinct modular steps: (1) formation of DMTD disulfide from DMTD metal salts, (2) optional alkylation to introduce functional groups, and (3) formation of the final redox-active species. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall process compared to traditional multi-step organic synthesis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional synthesis approach by starting with readily available DMTD metal salts and working forward to the target product, rather than building up complex molecules from simple precursors. This reverse approach uses inexpensive starting materials and proceeds through fewer steps, reducing both complexity and waste generation.
2Reliability
If traditional organic chemistry methods are used, then the desired chemical products can be obtained, but expensive starting materials and reagents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available DMTD metal salts (such as sodium or potassium salts) as starting materials instead of expensive specialized organic reagents. These simple, cheap starting materials are transformed through straightforward reactions into the desired redox-active species, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining product quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the starting materials by using DMTD metal salts with different counterions (Na+, K+, etc.) to access a range of products from a single core structure. This parameter variation allows customization of product properties without requiring fundamentally different starting materials, reducing overall costs.
3Reliability
If traditional organic chemistry methods are used, then the target products can be synthesized, but large quantities of undesirable process wastes are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful polyfunctional nature of DMTD (which could lead to complex byproducts) into a benefit by utilizing its two thiol groups for controlled disulfide bond formation. This controlled reaction pathway directs the chemistry toward the desired redox-active species while minimizing unwanted side products and waste generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs straightforward purification methods that allow for easy separation of the desired product from reaction byproducts. The simple salt-based chemistry enables efficient removal of excess reagents and formation of minimal waste streams, making the process environmentally friendly while maintaining high product quality.
4Reliability
If traditional organic chemistry methods are used, then the desired products can be obtained, but tedious purification steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves homogeneity in the reaction mixtures through the use of salt-based chemistry in polar solvents, which allows for uniform reaction conditions and simplified product isolation. The ionic nature of the intermediates and products enables straightforward separation techniques such as filtration and solvent evaporation, eliminating the need for complex chromatographic purification steps.
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 new DMTD metal salts enable efficient and cost-effective production of redox flow battery electrolytes with high product conversions and rapid reaction rates, reducing the complexity and environmental impact of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
redox flow batteries... redox flow battery electrolyte... redox active species
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates to 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole metal salts and electrolytes therewith for use in redox flow batteries.