Chemical Modification Extends Lifespan of Flow Batteries

Innovation in Bromine-based Batteries

A new advancement in bromine-based flow battery technology could eliminate one of the significant obstacles related to sustainable and affordable energy storage. A team of researchers from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has developed a method to capture corrosive bromine during the battery's operation, maintaining its concentration at extremely low levels and improving energy density through a two-electron reaction.

This new procedure significantly reduces damage to battery components and allows for the use of cheaper materials. Bromine-based batteries utilize a chemical reaction between bromine ions and elemental bromine, making them attractive due to the high availability of bromine and their high electrochemical potential. However, during charging, a large amount of bromine is produced, which can negatively impact battery components. New chemical agents, known as bromine complexing agents, can limit corrosion but typically cause the separation of the electrolyte into various phases.

The team tested this new system under practical conditions, demonstrating excellent stability and energy efficiency of over 78% after 700 cycles, without detecting corrosion in essential components. This innovation paves the way for future energy storage solutions and promotes the application of zinc-bromine flow batteries.