Researchers at Northwestern University have cracked a new path to tap a viable way of making industrial waste an effective energy storage solution. This study proposes an alternative that reduces metal-based battery use and is environmentally friendly as the need for battery-powered energy is surging accordingly. By recycling triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), a commonly discarded industrial byproduct, researchers have succeeded at creating a resilient, large electric battery power resource for redox circulation batteries, bringing us one section nearer to greener, more advantageous power storage solutions.

Discovery Highlight

The resulting work was to provide a way to convert TPPO into a highly stable redox active compound for use in nonaqueous redox flow batteries (NARFBs), and this research was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The innovation produces grid-scale contenders for energy storage where waste is valorized, organic redox flow batteries are strengthened and the overall energy density and stability are improved. 

The oxidation of the starting material phosphine to synthesize TPPO (triphenylphosphine oxide) was the starting point of the study. It was synthesized to the CPO (cyclic triphenylphosphine) oxide, which has highly negative potential. To validate this discovery, the researchers tested discovery using a series of electrochemical tests, such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) to determine redox potential, X-ray crystallography to confirm molecular integrity and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to assess electron spin density. 

Transforming Waste into Energy

Traditionally, battery research has centered around lithium and other solid-state materials. However, redox flow batteries offer a different approach—storing energy in liquid electrolytes rather than solid electrodes. While organic molecules have been considered for these applications, they often suffer from instability and low energy density. The impacts of this study provide molecular engineering of TPPO into a redox compound that inherently has a highly negative potential (-2.4 V vs Fc/Fc+) yet exhibits remarkable cycling stability.

The molecular design strategy of the research team was based on the cyclization of TPPO to improve its stability and make it applicable for long-term charge-discharge cycles without degradation. The result? An organic redox flow battery waste-derived organic compound capable of more than 350 cycles with limited loss of capacity, a previously unachieved achievement in the organic redox flow battery development.

Advantages of Organic Redox Flow Batteries

1. Sustainability: Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which rely on resource-intensive mining, redox flow batteries can be made from organic molecules, reducing environmental impact.

2. Scalability: Redox flow batteries are highly flexible and can be scaled up for grid storage applications, making them ideal for renewable energy integration.

3. Longevity: The study demonstrated that the TPPO-derived compound exhibits minimal degradation over hundreds of cycles, ensuring long-term usability.

4. High Energy Density: The new molecular design enables tighter electron packing, bridging the gap between organic and metal-based battery performance.

Therefore at MSE Supplies, we believe in the innovation that energy storage provides to the sustainable technologies with us. We offer a variety of materials of the highest quality necessary for battery research: synthesis materials where it includes heterocyclic building blocks, high-purity inorganic chemicals, and organic chemicals, along with galvanostats, potentiostats, cells, and other electrochemical consumables for battery research and development. Whether your interest is in redox flow batteries, lithium-ion replacements, or novel electrolyte materials, MSE Supplies is ready to enable your R&D with the most advanced materials and the best experts.

The study from Northwestern University is a major step toward making the organic redox flow battery a commercial reality. The idea of converting industrial waste into energy storage is not only closer to improving battery technology but also contributes to a more sustainable energy future. With the industry moving more and more forward, MSE Supplies remains dedicated to enabling the researchers of the next energy storage breakthroughs with the best possible materials. Connect with us today and explore our extensive selection of battery research materials!

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Source:

1. Green battery discovery turns trash into treasure. (n.d.). Northwestern Now. https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2025/01/trash-to-treasure-industrial-waste-battery/?fj=1

2. Mahoney, E. R., Boudjelel, M., Shavel, H., Krzyaniak, M. D., Wasielewski, M. R., & Malapit, C. A. (2025). Triphenylphosphine Oxide-Derived anolyte for application in a nonaqueous redox flow battery. Journal of the American Chemical Society. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.4c07750