Redox-Active Ti(IV) Coordination Compounds for Flow Battery Electrolytes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing redox-active Ti(IV) coordination compounds for flow battery systems are costly and complicated due to the reactivity of precursor materials and the need to manage counter ions and by-products.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the precipitation of soluble titanium salts with a base to form hydrous titanium oxide, followed by reaction with a chelating agent and base in an aqueous medium to produce redox-active Ti(IV) coordination compounds, which can be used directly as electrolytes in flow batteries, eliminating the need for costly by-product management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional precursor materials (TiCl4, titanium alkoxides) are used to produce Ti(IV) coordination compounds, then the electrochemical performance is achieved, but the handling difficulty and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses readily available, inexpensive titanium salts (such as titanium sulfate or titanium chloride) as precursors instead of expensive and hazardous materials like TiCl4. These common salts can be handled easily and are much less reactive, eliminating the need for specialized handling equipment and safety infrastructure while still producing the desired Ti(IV) coordination compounds with excellent electrochemical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the precursor materials from highly reactive compounds (TiCl4, titanium alkoxides) to stable, water-soluble titanium salts. This parameter change in terms of reactivity and solubility allows for much easier handling and processing while maintaining the ability to form the required coordination compounds through controlled reaction with chelating agents
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional precursor materials are used, then Ti(IV) coordination compounds can be produced, but the need to separate and treat counter ions and by-products increases production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or eliminates the problematic by-products and counter ions that arise from using traditional precursors. By using titanium salts that react cleanly with chelating agents in aqueous solution, the method avoids generating hazardous by-products like HCl from TiCl4 reactions. The process can be designed to produce minimal waste streams that require little or no complex separation and treatment infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would traditionally be harmful by-products into beneficial or neutral substances. For example, using titanium sulfate as a precursor generates sulfate ions that are environmentally benign and can even serve as supporting electrolyte components. The reaction by-products are transformed from hazardous waste requiring expensive treatment into useful or harmless substances that simplify the overall process
3Ease of manufacture
If highly reactive precursor materials are used, then the desired coordination compounds can be synthesized, but the safety risks and handling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, hazardous, long-lived precursor materials with inexpensive, safe, readily available titanium salts that can be handled without special precautions. These common salts pose no significant safety risks during storage, transport, or handling, yet they effectively produce the desired Ti(IV) coordination compounds through controlled chemical reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inherently safer, more inert reaction environment by using water-soluble titanium salts that react in aqueous solution rather than requiring anhydrous, inert atmosphere conditions. This eliminates the need for expensive inert gas handling infrastructure and safety systems while maintaining full synthesis capability
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 reduces production costs and simplifies the process by directly producing a soluble and effective redox-active Ti(IV) coordination compound for use in flow batteries, enhancing the economic viability and efficiency of electrochemical energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
precipitating a soluble titanium salt with a base in an aqueous reaction medium to form freshly precipitated hydrous titanium oxide
Implementation Method 2
reacting the freshly precipitated hydrous titanium oxide with a chelating agent and a base in a second aqueous reaction medium to produce a solution of the corresponding redox-active Ti(IV) coordination compound
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing an aqueous solution of a redox-active coordination compound of a transition metal which can be used directly as an electrolyte in a flow battery wherein the method comprises reacting a freshly precipitated hydrous transition metal oxide with a chelating agent and a base in an aqueous reaction medium to produce a solution of the corresponding redox-active transition metal coordination compound.