Biological anolyte regeneration system for redox flow batteries

Chem Commun (Camb). 2023 Feb 16;59(15):2142-2145. doi: 10.1039/d2cc06011f.

Abstract

Redox flow battery (RFB) electrolyte degradation is a common failure mechanism in RFBs. We report an RFB using genetically engineered, phenazine-producing Escherichia coli to serve as an anolyte regeneration system capable of repairing the degraded/decomposed redox-active phenazines. This work represents a new strategy for improving the stability of RFB systems because, under the influence of genetically engineered microbes, the anolyte species does not display degradation after battery cycling.