Description:
Market Opportunity
With the rising demand for environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy solutions, iron-air batteries present an untapped opportunity in grid-scale energy storage. They offer moderate energy density (50-75 Wh/kg) and a life cycle of 2000 cycles at less than $100/kWh, and their construction from abundant, non-toxic materials makes them a viable alternative. Enhancing their round-trip energy efficiency and cycle life could position them as a leading choice in renewable energy storage solutions.
USC Solution
USC researchers present an iron-air rechargeable battery. It features a composite electrode that integrates an iron and a hydrogen electrode, paired with a spaced air electrode. The design is enhanced with various additives and catalysts to boost efficiency and extend cycle life. The battery's unique configuration allows simultaneous charging of the iron electrode and discharging of the hydrogen electrode. During discharge, the iron electrode alone delivers power, ensuring efficient energy management. This approach optimizes the battery's performance, making it suitable for diverse applications.
Value Proposition
- Low-cost grid-scale energy storage
- Environmentally friendly
- Abundant raw materials
- Easily scalable
Stage of Development
Applications
Publications
A High-Performance Rechargeable Iron Electrode for Large-Scale Battery-Based Energy Storage, Manohar et al., 2012. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.034208jes