Imagine a giant battery that stores electricity in liquid tanks, like a water tower for power. Instead of using rare, expensive metals that are hard to get, this system uses molecules derived from vanilla and plant waste. AI acts as a digital architect to find the best chemical recipes and design the most efficient battery parts.
Europe relies on critical raw materials like vanadium for energy storage, which are sourced from unstable regions. Current batteries also use toxic fluorinated membranes that create environmental liabilities.
A system for developing vanillin-based redox-active molecules and paper-based membranes, optimized by AI and machine learning models.
If you are a farm operator dealing with weather-dependent power fluctuations — this project developed a flow battery using renewable materials that stabilizes the grid by storing excess energy for the medium to long term.
If you are a processing plant dealing with lignocellulosic waste streams — this project developed a way to convert that waste into high-value redox-active molecules for energy storage.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with expensive and toxic fluorinated membranes — this project developed eco-friendly paper-based membranes that lower production costs and environmental risks.
Based on available project data, the use of readily-available renewable materials from waste streams and low-cost paper-based membranes is intended to enhance the economic viability of flow batteries.
The project specifically aims to address the challenge of transferring materials and processes to a large scale to create a real impact on the economy and society.
Based on available project data, the project uses AI and ML for designing quinones and optimizing battery components, but specific licensing terms are not provided.
Yes, the research is guided by toxicology investigations to ensure the materials are inherently safe and sustainable.
The project period runs from 2023-09-01 to 2026-08-31, suggesting the technology is currently in the development and optimization phase.
The consortium is a balanced mix of 6 partners across 4 countries, featuring a 33% industry ratio. With 2 SMEs and 3 universities, the project blends academic research in AI and biotechnology with practical industrial application, ensuring that the transition from lab-scale organic molecules to industrial energy storage is grounded in commercial reality.
Contact the Technical University of Graz
Contact us to connect with the VanillaFlow consortium for licensing discussions.
