A team of researchers from Beijing’s Tsinghua University has created a multi-functional battery that does more than merely store and supply electrical energy. This advanced battery also manufactures valuable chemical compounds such as furfuryl alcohol and furoic acid. Employing a dual-use mechanism, the system fuses attributes of both rechargeable and redox flow batteries. Specialized catalysts are used to convert furfural, derived from biomass, into beneficial chemicals as the battery goes through its charge and discharge cycles.
The innovative battery simultaneously serves as an electrical energy reservoir and a generator of valuable chemicals.
Conventional rechargeable batteries store electrical energy within their electrode materials. In contrast, redox flow batteries hold chemical energy in tanks connected to their electrodes. Recent advancements have led to a hybrid battery system capable of storing and delivering electrical energy while also creating valuable chemicals through a flow mechanism.
When operational, the furfural-nickel hydroxide battery transforms furfural, sourced from biomass, into either furfuryl alcohol or furoic acid.
Furfural is a small molecular structure originating from pentose sugars commonly found in agricultural biomass. This chemical serves as a crucial precursor for a variety of applications, either being oxidized to produce furoic acid, which finds use as a food preservative and an intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and fragrances, or being reduced to furfuryl alcohol, a precursor for resins, flavors, and pharmaceuticals. Led by Haohong Duan, the research team at Tsinghua University has successfully managed to produce both of these high-value chemicals within the operating cycle of their hybrid flow battery, thereby enhancing the battery system’s cost-efficiency.
Conventional rechargeable batteries, when charged, store electrical energy within their electrodes and release it into an electrical circuit during discharge. On the other hand, redox flow batteries store energy in the form of chemicals, which cycle between two states but remain confined within the battery. Marrying these two concepts, the researchers explored the potential for such hybrid systems to concurrently produce additional chemicals while either storing or delivering energy.
A critical development was the introduction of a bifunctional metal catalyst for the anode, composed of a rhodium-copper single-atom alloy. This catalyst effectively converted furfural-containing electrolyte into furfuryl alcohol as the battery charged and produced furoic acid upon discharging. For the cathode, a cobalt-doped nickel hydroxide material was selected, resembling cathode materials commonly found in traditional nickel-zinc or nickel-metal hydride batteries.
This construction culminated in a genuinely dual-purpose battery system. Upon being charged through a solar cell, a series of four interconnected hybrid batteries powered multiple devices, such as LED lights and smartphones, while continuously generating furfuryl alcohol and furoic acid. These chemicals were subsequently removed through a flow mechanism.
According to the authors, this new hybrid battery system is competitive with prevalent batteries concerning energy density and power density. However, it offers the additional advantage of generating high-value chemicals simultaneously. Specifically, while storing 1 kWh of energy, the system produces 0.7 kg of furfuryl alcohol and generates 1 kg of furoic acid when providing a power of 0.5 kWh—sufficient to operate a refrigerator for several hours. Nevertheless, a constant supply of furfural must be maintained, and the resulting products need to be separated from the electrolyte.
The researchers believe that this hybrid approach represents a stride towards enhancing the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of rechargeable battery systems, although further development of the concept is required.
Reference: “Rechargeable Biomass Battery for Electricity Storage/generation and Concurrent Valuable Chemicals Production” by Dr. Jing Li, Kaiyue Ji, Boyang Li, Prof. Ming Xu, Ye Wang, Prof. Hua Zhou, Qiujin Shi, and Prof. Haohong Duan, published on June 6, 2023, in Angewandte Chemie.
DOI: 10.1002/anie.202304852
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hybrid Energy Storage
What is the main innovation of the hybrid battery developed by Tsinghua University researchers?
The hybrid battery from Tsinghua University not only stores and supplies electricity but also generates valuable chemicals like furfuryl alcohol and furoic acid during its operation.
How does the hybrid battery combine features of rechargeable and redox flow batteries?
The hybrid battery utilizes a dual-use mechanism, incorporating attributes from both rechargeable and redox flow batteries. It employs specialized catalysts to convert biomass-derived furfural into useful chemicals while storing or delivering electricity.
What are the advantages of producing chemicals alongside energy storage in this hybrid battery?
By producing chemicals like furfuryl alcohol and furoic acid during the battery’s charge and discharge cycles, the hybrid battery enhances cost efficiency and value proposition. This sets it apart from traditional batteries that solely focus on energy storage.
How does furfural play a role in the chemical production process of this battery?
Furfural, derived from agricultural biomass, serves as the raw material for chemical production within the battery. It can be oxidized to create furoic acid, a versatile compound for food preservation and pharmaceuticals, or reduced to produce furfuryl alcohol, a precursor for resins and flavors.
Can you explain the functionality of the bifunctional metal catalysts in the battery?
The anode features a rhodium-copper single-atom alloy catalyst, which facilitates the conversion of furfural-containing electrolyte into furfuryl alcohol during charging and furoic acid during discharge. This catalyst is pivotal in enabling the chemical production process.
What devices can the hybrid battery power while producing chemicals?
The hybrid battery has demonstrated its capability to power various devices, including LED lights and smartphones, through a series of interconnected hybrid batteries. This showcases its potential to simultaneously generate chemicals and provide energy for practical applications.
What is the energy and chemical production efficiency of the hybrid battery?
The hybrid battery boasts competitive energy density and power density compared to conventional batteries. While storing 1 kWh of energy, it produces 0.7 kg of furfuryl alcohol. When providing 0.5 kWh of power, it generates 1 kg of furoic acid—a valuable output for its size.
What further advancements are needed for this hybrid battery technology?
Although the hybrid battery represents a significant step forward, there is still room for development. Researchers need to refine and optimize the hybrid concept to enhance its sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability for broader applications.
More about Hybrid Energy Storage
- Tsinghua University Researchers Develop Dual-Use Rechargeable Battery
- Hybrid Battery System for Simultaneous Energy Storage and Chemical Production
- Furfural as a Key Component in Battery-Integrated Chemical Production
- Advancements in Battery Technology and Energy Storage
- Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Energy Storage
