Electroactive Organic Compounds as Anode-Active Materials for Solar Rechargeable Redox Flow Battery in Dual-Phase Electrolytes

Abstract

In order to achieve solar energy conversion and storage, a solar rechargeable redox flow battery in dual-phase electrolytes is presented in this work. In the battery, LISICON film is employed as membrane to separate liquid anode/cathode-active species, and organic compounds in aqueous electrolyte and LiI in organic electrolyte are employed as anolyte and catholyte, respectively. In particular, it is demonstrated from the cyclic voltammetry that quinoxaline and its derivatives show good electrochemical activity with suitable redox potentials in aqueous electrolyte. Correspondingly, the as-fabricated battery presents good solar rechargeable capability, subsequent discharge capability, and cycle stability, and thus indicates the feasible solar energy conversion and storage. Therefore, the organic compounds can be used as potential electroactive alternatives in anolyte for applications of the solar rechargeable flow battery.