RESEARCHERS at Harvard University have developed a metal-free flow battery that relies on the electrochemistry of naturally abundant, inexpensive materials. Flow batteries are large-scale liquid batteries in which all electroactive components are dissolved in the electrolyte. The liquids are stored in two tanks and the electrodes in a separate chamber. Pumping solutions in one direction charges the battery and the other direction discharges it. Most of these mixes use expensive materials such as vanadium; although some cheaper concepts are being developed such as the" Rustbelt" flow battery.
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