As one of the most promising energy storage solutions, non-aqueous redox flow batteries (NRFBs) have attracted increasing attention due to their significant potential to assist in the integration of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar and wind) into electrical grid. Unlike the traditional rechargeable batteries which store energy within solid electrodes, the active materials of NRFBs are stored in a flowable phase in two external tanks and pumped to a power-generating electroreactor. This configuration offers remarkable flexibility in terms of capacity, power and safety control. Material development of redox active molecules, especially redox active organic molecules (ROMs) is crucial to enable and improve this energy storage technology. Molecular engineering of ROMs could lead to tunable physical and electrochemical properties, including electrochemical reversibility, solubility in organic solvents, redox potential and capacity, all of which are key factors to improving energy density and lowering system cost. A family of dimethoxybenzene based molecules has drawn significant attention due to their excellent electrochemical behavior as NRFB catholytes. Recently, we developed two novel dimethoxybenzene derivatives, JH-100 and JH-200, building on our previous efforts with 2,5-di-<i>tert</i>-butyl-1,4-bis(2-methoxyethoxybenzene), a compound with proven stability but low capacity and limited solubility. In this presentation, the developing story of JH-100 and JH-200 as well as their property evaluation including electrochemical reversibility, solubility, conductivity, and galvanostatic cycling will be discussed.

Catholyte material development for nonaqueous redox flow batteries

249th National Meeting (2015)

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