What is a zinc bromine flow battery?

Zinc bromine flow batteries or Zinc bromine redux flow batteries (ZBFBs or ZBFRBs) are a type of rechargeable electrochemical energy storage system that relies on the redox reactions between zinc and bromine. Like all flow batteries, ZFBs are unique in that the electrolytes are not solid-state that store energy in metals.

Are zinc bromine flow batteries better than lithium-ion batteries?

While zinc bromine flow batteries offer a plethora of benefits, they do come with certain challenges. These include lower energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries, lower round-trip efficiency, and the need for periodic full discharges to prevent the formation of zinc dendrites, which could puncture the separator.

Are zinc-based batteries a new invention?

Zinc-based batteries aren’t a new invention—researchers at Exxon patented zinc-bromine flow batteries in the 1970s—but Eos has developed and altered the technology over the last decade. Zinc-halide batteries have a few potential benefits over lithium-ion options, says Francis Richey, vice president of research and development at Eos.

Can electrolyte dynamic stabilizer stabilize both bromine cathode and Zn anode?

In summary, we have developed an electrolyte dynamic stabilizer that simultaneously stabilizes both the bromine cathode and Zn anode, thereby improving the overall performance of practical Zn-Br 2 pouch cell for energy storage applications.

How much money will EOS Energy enterprises invest in next-generation zinc bromine technology?

In the meantime, the Energy Department’s famous Loan Programs Office has granted conditional approval for an assist of almost $400 million to commercialize next-generation zinc bromine technology developed by the Pennsylvania company Eos Energy Enterprises.

How do ZFB batteries store energy?

Like all flow batteries, ZFBs are unique in that the electrolytes are not solid-state that store energy in metals. They store energy in electrolyte liquids held in two tanks one containing a positively-charged anode and the other with a negatively-charged cathode, separated by a membrane.