Rechargeable Electrolysis Cell Using Reversible Halogen Redox Chemistry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage options such as fuel cells, liquid fuels, and batteries face challenges with environmental impact, energy density, durability, and compatibility with existing electrical infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable electrolysis cell utilizing a reversible electrolysis reaction with a halogen and metal halide salt in a polar solvent, allowing energy storage and retrieval through a closed-loop system using electrical input, with a high energy density and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If batteries are used for energy storage in electric vehicles, then electrical infrastructure compatibility is improved, but energy density and durability are insufficient requiring very large and cumbersome devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the energy storage system by using metal halide salts and halogens in a non-aqueous electrolyte system, enabling higher energy density while maintaining electrical infrastructure compatibility through reversible electrochemical reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material systems including metal halide salts dissolved in non-aqueous electrolytes with specific cathode and anode configurations, achieving both high energy density and durability simultaneously
2Power
If fuel cells are used for energy generation, then energy conversion is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates due to greenhouse gas emissions and non-carbon neutral fuels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of traditional fuel combustion into a beneficial electrochemical process by using reversible electrolysis and fuel cell reactions that produce only water and oxygen as byproducts, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining high energy conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an inert non-aqueous electrolyte environment that enables clean electrochemical reactions without producing harmful emissions, creating an environmentally friendly energy conversion system
3Object-generated harmful factors
If hydrogen is used as fuel, then environmental friendliness is improved, but energy density and storage/transport ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces metal halide salts as intermediary energy storage media that combine the environmental benefits of hydrogen-based systems with much higher energy density, serving as a mediator between clean energy production and efficient energy storage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the energy storage medium from gaseous hydrogen to dissolved metal halide salts in non-aqueous electrolytes, achieving dramatically higher energy density while maintaining environmental friendliness
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 rechargeable electrolysis cell achieves high energy density and durability, enabling widespread application in industries requiring compact and reliable energy storage, including electric vehicles and aircraft, without the need for external fuel sources.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable electrolysis cell utilizing a reversible electrolysis reaction with a halogen and metal halide salt in a polar solvent
Implementation Method 2
transferring an electron from the anode to the cathode by way of the electrical connection through an electrical load, such that the reducing agent is oxidized and the oxidizer is reduced
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable electrolysis cell includes: an anode; a cathode; an electrical connection; and an electrolyte. The cathode has an inlet for an oxidizer. The reducing agent is a solvated metal ligand, a Birch electron, a solvated electron, metal salt, or a metallic plating on the cathode. The oxidizer is a halogen. A method of discharging the cell includes providing the reducing agent at the anode and delivering the oxidizer to the cathode and transferring an electron from the anode through an electrical load, oxidizing the reducing agent and reducing the oxidizer to produce a salt dissolved in the electrolyte. Charging the cell includes applying direct current to convert the salt to the reducing agent and the oxidizer and separating the reagents.