Flow batteries are a new type of battery ideal for storing large amounts of energy for a long time.

They consist of anolyte and catholyte that are pumped through an ion-selective membrane to generate an electric current. But charging such a system requires replacing the electrolyte. This was written by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Unlike lithium batteries, flow batteries generally last longer. However, it also has limitations in terms of durability.

Researchers from the Pacific Northwest Laboratory (USA) have accidentally discovered that adding ordinary sugar to the electrolyte of a flow battery can significantly increase the battery’s peak power. The researchers first tried dissolving β-cyclodextrins in the anolyte to solve another problem, but unexpectedly found that this also resulted in a 60% increase in peak power output. Sugar is effective in attracting positively charged protons, balancing the movement of negatively charged protons, and charged electrons move freely across the cell membrane.

This discovery has enormous potential to improve the performance and durability of flow batteries. Researchers, realizing the importance of this method, have already applied for a patent. This is the first time a flow battery has exhibited such high endurance, which opens up new hopes for the development of this technology.