DMTD Flow Battery Electrolytes With Soluble Reversible Derivatives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current redox flow batteries face challenges with expensive and difficult-to-produce organic electrolytes that lack reversibility and generate significant waste, particularly in using 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (DMTD) derivatives, which are not readily soluble and require complex synthesis processes.
Innovation Solution
Development of a redox flow battery electrolyte comprising DMTD or its derivatives, specifically mono-alkylated, etherified, alcohol, ester, amide, and zwitterionic forms, which are soluble in polar solvents like water and organic compounds, facilitating easy production and improved redox performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If DMTD or its derivatives are used as redox compounds in RFB electrolytes, then cost-effectiveness and ease of production are improved, but solubility in polar solvents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically modifying the chemical structure of DMTD derivatives through various substitutions (mono-alkylated, etherified, alcohol, ester, amide, and zwitterionic forms) to enhance solubility in polar solvents while preserving redox activity. This structural parameter modification resolves the contradiction between ease of production and solubility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite electrolyte systems by combining DMTD derivatives with polar solvents and supporting electrolytes, forming a composite material system that achieves both cost-effectiveness and improved solubility. The composite approach allows the DMTD derivative to function as the redox-active component while the polar solvent matrix provides the necessary solubility environment.
2Reliability
If conventional organic electrolytes are used in RFBs, then redox reversibility is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and waste generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive DMTD derivative molecules that can be produced through straightforward chemical synthesis from readily available starting materials. These simple molecular structures replace complex conventional organic electrolytes, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining redox reversibility through the inherent electrochemical stability of the DMTD core structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the redox compound by using DMTD and its derivatives, which possess inherent reversible redox properties. The structural parameters of DMTD (the five-membered ring with sulfur and nitrogen atoms) provide stable redox couples that achieve reliability without requiring complex molecular designs.
3Quantity of substance
If DMTD derivatives are used to improve solubility, then redox potential tuning is achieved, but compound stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing different functional groups (etherified, ester, amide, zwitterionic) at specific positions of the DMTD molecule while preserving the core redox-active structure. This localized modification approach allows solubility enhancement through peripheral group changes without compromising the stability of the central DMTD ring system that provides redox reversibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls parameter changes by selecting substitutions that enhance solubility (such as adding polar groups or increasing molecular polarity) while maintaining the structural integrity and electrochemical stability of the DMTD core. The redox potential is tuned through these parameter changes without sacrificing compound stability.
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 DMTD derivatives in redox flow batteries provides a cost-effective, easily producible, and highly reversible electrolyte solution, enhancing energy retention and reducing waste, while maintaining desired redox properties.
Implementation Method 1
redox flow battery electrolyte comprising DMTD or derivatives
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology relates to redox flow batteries (“RFB”), and particularly to electrolytes useful in RFBs based on 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (“DMTD”) and derivatives thereof.