Tech won't save us but sometimes it is a good idea.

[K-Dog]

Which metal?

In 2022, DARPA SBIR-funded Influit Energy announced a nonflammable, surface-modified nanoelectrofuel made of a metal oxide suspended in an aqueous solution. The material does not settle out of the solution, even at high concentration and features and energy density higher than Lion batteries. Operating temperatures are -40 to 80 °C.

At work I read the advertising on our products.  Somebody sits around thinking of product advantages that are fabricated yet true.  Like

It fits in your pocket.

So it does not use lithium, suggesting giant toxic ponds may not be mandatory for our consuming asses.  Or heavy metals.



Good to know.

So what metal do they use?

Inquiring minds want to know.  But who inquires?

[RE]

So what metal do they use?

Inquiring minds want to know.  But who inquires?

Iron-Chromium or Vanadium appear to be the typical choices for flow batteries, but you could use any of the transition metals that can take on multiple oxidation states for the chemistry.  The potential differences between the states determines what kind of voltage you get out of it. Then you would concern yourself with the density of the material if concerned about weight.  I could see good chemistry out of Manganese, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper or Molybdenum.  Choice of the salt also an important factor, a sulfate or nitrate probably, but maybe chloride or flouride would work.  The solubility of the salt is important for how concentrated you can make the system.  These guys have found one they like which is giving them enough energy density to get 550 to 850 watt-hours per kilogram or higher, as compared to 200 to 350 Wh/kg for a standard EV lithium-ion battery.  That's pretty good.   Depending on the potential difference, how much power you get out of the chemistry would vary.  Weight would be higher than Li batt, but less than a Pb batt unless you have a big potential difference.  Probably good enough for ground transport, not for air transsport.

RE