Towards Bio-derived Electrolytes for Sustainable Redox Flow Batteries

doi:10.1007/s40242-025-5051-7

Chemical Research in Chinese Universities ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (3): 464-471.doi: 10.1007/s40242-025-5051-7

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Towards Bio-derived Electrolytes for Sustainable Redox Flow Batteries

HUO Xiaoyu¹, SHI Xingyi², AN Liang^1,3,4

1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China;
2. Department of Energy Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan), Dongguan 523808, P. R. China;
3. Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China;
4. Research Institute for Smart Energy, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China

Received:2025-03-31 Revised:2025-05-06 Online:2025-06-01 Published:2025-05-27
Contact: SHI Xingyi,E-mail:xingyi.shi@cityu-dg.edu.cn;AN Liang,E-mail:liang.an@polyu.edu.hk E-mail:xingyi.shi@cityu-dg.edu.cn;liang.an@polyu.edu.hk
Supported by:
This work was supported by a grant from the Research Institute for Smart Energy (No. CDB2), a grant from the Research Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (No. CD8Z) and a grant from the Carbon Neutrality Funding Scheme (No. WZ2R) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China.

Abstract

Abstract: The transition to renewable energy systems has intensified the need for sustainable, large-scale energy storage solutions, and redox flow batteries (RFBs) have emerged as a promising technology due to their scalability, safety, and long cycle life. However, conventional RFBs that rely on metal-based electrolytes face significant challenges, including high cost, resource scarcity, and environmental toxicity. Bio-derived electrolytes offer a sustainable alternative that combines renewable sources with tunable electrochemical properties. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest progress of RFB bio-derived electrolytes and discusses the electrochemical performances of plant-derived quinones, lignin derivatives, and fungal metabolites. The limitations in the systems, such as lower solubility limits, crossover issues, and long-term stability are evaluated, with suggested future research directions. The work provides valuable insights for the development of next-generation green RFB systems, which align with global sustainability goals.

Key words: Redox flow battery, Electrolyte, Bio-derived electrolyte, Biomaterial, Sustainability

HUO Xiaoyu, SHI Xingyi, AN Liang. Towards Bio-derived Electrolytes for Sustainable Redox Flow Batteries[J]. Chemical Research in Chinese Universities, 2025, 41(3): 464-471.

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Towards Bio-derived Electrolytes for Sustainable Redox Flow Batteries

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