Hydrothermal Synthesis of Redox-Active Ti(IV) Coordination Compounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing redox-active Ti(IV) coordination compounds for use in flow battery systems are costly and complex due to the reactivity of precursors and the need to manage undesirable by-products and counter ions.
Innovation Solution
A hydrothermal reaction method involving the direct reaction of TiO2 or other transition metal oxides with chelating agents like catechol, pyrogallol, or ascorbic acid in an aqueous medium at controlled temperatures, producing clear solutions or crystalline solids without undesirable by-products, which can be used directly as electrolytes in flow batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional precursors (TiCl4, titanium alkoxides) are used to produce Ti(IV) coordination compounds, then the production process can proceed, but the precursors are highly reactive and difficult to handle at large production scale, and counter ions and by-products need to be separated and treated which adds significant cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic by-products and counter ions from the production process by using TiO2 as a starting material that does not generate these unwanted substances. The hydrothermal reaction of TiO2 with chelating agents produces only the desired coordination compounds without chloride, alcohol, or other by-products that would require separation and treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses TiO2, a stable and inexpensive material, as the starting precursor instead of expensive and reactive precursors like TiCl4 or titanium alkoxides. TiO2 is abundant, non-reactive under normal conditions, and does not generate harmful by-products, making it an ideal disposable starting material for large-scale production.
2Productivity
If traditional production methods are used, then Ti(IV) coordination compounds can be produced, but the process generates counter ions and by-products that require separation and treatment, increasing production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the traditional approach of having to deal with and remove harmful by-products into a benefit by selecting TiO2 as the starting material. This choice transforms what would normally be a waste removal problem into a clean production process where no harmful by-products are generated in the first place, thereby improving productivity and reducing material loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If highly reactive precursors are used, then coordination compounds can be formed, but the precursors are difficult to handle especially at large production scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the starting material from highly reactive precursors (TiCl4, titanium alkoxides) to stable TiO2. This parameter change involves using a material with different reactivity, solubility, and handling characteristics that are more suitable for large-scale production while still achieving the desired coordination compound formation through hydrothermal treatment.
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
This method provides a more economical and efficient production of redox-active coordination compounds, eliminating the need for by-product management and ensuring stable, high-solubility electrolytes for flow battery systems.
Implementation Method 1
reacting TiO2 (or the corresponding oxide of the desired transition metal) in an aqueous reaction medium directly with a chelating agent, or with a combination of chelating agents, in a hydrothermal reaction zone at a temperature in the range of from 100° C to 160° C for a period of time from 4 hours up to 48 hours
Implementation Method 2
a flow battery is a rechargeable fuel cell in which an electrolyte containing one or more dissolved electroactive elements flows through an electrochemical cell that reversibly converts chemical energy directly to electricity
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for producing an aqueous electrolyte comprising a redox-active coordination compound of a transition metal which comprises reacting an oxide of the corresponding transition metal in an aqueous reaction medium with a chelating agent in a hydrothermal reaction zone at a temperature in the range of from 100°C to 160°C for a period of from 4 hours to 48 hours.