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IMAGE: PNNL scientist Ruozhu Feng created a series of molecular engineering steps to cultivate fluorenone s energy-carrying capability, part of an effort at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to develop new energy-storage technology. view more
Credit: (Photo by Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
A compound used widely in candles offers promise for a much more modern energy challenge storing massive amounts of energy to be fed into the electric grid as the need arises.
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have shown that low-cost organic compounds hold promise for storing grid energy. Common fluorenone, a bright yellow powder, was at first a reluctant participant, but with enough chemical persuasion has proven to be a potent partner for energy storage in flow battery systems, large systems that store energy for the grid.