Water system dual ion energy storage mechanism

Why should we use a dual function water system?

Dual functionality may help to address, at the same time, storing intermittently available renewable energy and providing clean, potable water to residential areas and agriculture. A growing amount of desalinated water will also significantly advance the large-scale production of green hydrogen.

Can rechargeable seawater batteries be desalinated simultaneously?

Due to the unique structure, containing both aqueous (seawater) electrolyte and organic electrolyte, it is easy to implement simultaneous water desalination and energy storage if the system of rechargeable seawater batteries is modified. In 2018, Zhang et al. proposed a rechargeable seawater battery desalination system.

How do seawater batteries work?

Conventional seawater batteries enable the storage of electrochemical energy by combining a sodiation/desodiation anode and an electrolysis cathode. This concept mandates an open-cell architecture to be able to constantly supply fresh seawater as the catholyte during the charge–discharge process.

What is the energy density of a seawater battery?

Comparing the energy densities of different energy storage systems, the seawater battery with an energy density of mostly <150 Wh kg −1 has been relatively moderate.

Why do seawater batteries consume more energy than desalination batteries?

The energy consumption of the seawater battery system is relatively high compared with desalination batteries based on the intercalation materials or redox electrolytes (Table 2); this could be due to the high overpotential of the seawater battery system and the high resistance of NASICON membrane.

Can seawater batteries be used for energy storage?

The use of seawater batteries exceeds the application for energy storage. The electrochemical immobilization of ions intrinsic to the operation of seawater batteries is also an effective mechanism for direct seawater desalination.