American microbiologists have created a new class of organic molecules, allowing to provide safe and economical storage of electricity from variable energy sources. This was reported in the journal Nature Energy.
The results of the study based on previous experiments with quinones. In 2014 an international group of scientists with the participation of Harvard University (USA) have developed a flow redox battery high capacity on the basis of organic compounds and ferrocyanide. Metal ions — a traditional acid electrolyte in the battery was replaced in this case, the quinones are molecules that provide energy storage in plants and animals. Thus, the team managed to produce the first high-performance, non-toxic, does not cause corrosion and the inexpensive stuff is to store electricity.
A year later, the scientists created a class of quinones that can work in alkaline solutions, along with ferrocyanide. In the new study, the basis for the molecules was the vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), stimulating energy production in cells. From classic quinones, Riboflavin differs only in the fact that the collection and emission of electrons is carried out by nitrogen atoms or oxygen.
"He has high stability and solubility, provides increased battery voltage and capacity. Due to the fact that vitamins are easy to manufacture, this molecule can be manufactured on an industrial scale at low cost," said Professor Michael Aziz.
Stimulation voltage of the battery was carried out using structurally modified alloksantina — basic substance B2. The open circuit voltage created by the battery is approximately 1.2 volts when the effective value of current and the retention volume and at 99.7 to 99.98%, respectively.
Redox flow-battery is a battery, storing energy through redox reactions in the liquid electrolyte. These batteries are considered as alternatives to lithium-ion, particularly in the production of electric vehicles and support systems of power to large households.
