Scientific Achievement
We designed a non-aqueous flow battery that operates in the absence of supporting salt by utilizing redox active molecules that remain as ions across all accessible states of charge.
Significance and Impact
Removing the supporting salt from the electrolyte offers tremendous cost savings. This work demonstrates that non-aqueous flow batteries can function in the absence of supporting salt without sacrificing area specific resistance (ASR).
Research Details
- Two model ionic redox active materials (Fc1N112+ and Fe(bpy)2+) are configured in a supporting salt free non-aqueous flow battery.
- The active materials afford high electrolyte conductivities in acetonitrile, subsequently delivering relatively low ASR.
- A techno-economic analysis illustrates the cost savings that can be achieved by removing supporting salt from the electrolyte.
