title: Redox-Flow Batteries: From Metals to Organic Redox-Active Materials.
abstract: Research on redox-flow batteries (RFBs) is currently experiencing a significant upturn, stimulated by the growing need to store increasing quantities of sustainably generated electrical energy. RFBs are promising candidates for the creation of smart grids, particularly when combined with photovoltaics and wind farms. To achieve the goal of "green", safe, and cost-efficient energy storage, research has shifted from metal-based materials to organic active materials in recent years. This Review presents an overview of various flow-battery systems. Relevant studies concerning their history are discussed as well as their development over the last few years from the classical inorganic, to organic/inorganic, to RFBs with organic redox-active cathode and anode materials. Available technologies are analyzed in terms of their technical, economic, and environmental aspects; the advantages and limitations of these systems are also discussed. Further technological challenges and prospective research possibilities are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Lehrstuhl für Organische und Makromolekulare Chemie (IOMC), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany.|Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Philosophenweg 7a, 07743, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Winsberg
authors.affiliation: Lehrstuhl für Organische und Makromolekulare Chemie (IOMC), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany.|Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Philosophenweg 7a, 07743, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Tino
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hagemann
authors.affiliation: Lehrstuhl für Organische und Makromolekulare Chemie (IOMC), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany.|Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Philosophenweg 7a, 07743, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Janoschka
authors.affiliation: Lehrstuhl für Organische und Makromolekulare Chemie (IOMC), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany.|Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Philosophenweg 7a, 07743, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Martin D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Hager
authors.affiliation: Lehrstuhl für Organische und Makromolekulare Chemie (IOMC), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany.|Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena (CEEC Jena), Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Philosophenweg 7a, 07743, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Ulrich S
authors.initials: US
authors.lastname: Schubert
keywords: electrochemistry; energy storage; organic active materials; organic electrolytes; redox-flow batteries