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towards
redox-free red

Current reverse electrodialysis clean and renewable salinity gradient energy uses unsustainable redox solutions like hexacyanoferrate to transfer its ion current into electricity. In this research, blue energy researchers show that carbon-based slurries can offer an alternative.

The scientists ran an artificial waters, single membrane system, continuously for 17 days with a stable output. Using a mixture  of activated carbon and carbon black slurry instead of the usual hexacyanoferrate, they reached a comparable net power density of 0.7 W·m^–2. Even at higher current densities, the system seems feasible.

Carbon-based slurries could enhance the RED process’ sustainability, stability, and economic value.

Read more:

Simões, Catarina, Michel Saakes, and Derk Brilman. 2023. “Toward Redox-Free Reverse Electrodialysis with Carbon-Based Slurry Electrodes.” Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.2c03567.