Abstract

The transition to renewable energy sources presents us with major challenges. The energy supply of the future is largely dependent on wind and sun, both of which are not always available. This leads to fluctuations in electricity production. One way of compensating for such fluctuations are electricity storage systems, such as batteries. Today’s predominant metal-based batteries are highly flammable, expensive, and rely on limited raw materials.

In my current project, I have developed an electricity storage system inspired by nature. For this purpose, I synthesized a compound that is similar to those used by living cells (cells use the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺). I modified this molecule to reduce its size and weight, increasing its specific energy storage capacity relative to natural NAD⁺. To characterize its properties, I constructed a modular electrochemical cell and performed time-resolved voltage and current measurements.

In a series of measurements, I demonstrate that these nicotinamides are efficient energy storage electrolytes that have a high potential as electrolytes for batteries or redox-flow systems. They exhibit long-term stability, retaining efficiency over weeks of operation.