Organic materials for energy storage

Jolt Energy Storage Technologies is using molecular design principles to create organic compounds that could revolutionize the field of energy storage. Jolt is developing a small molecule that enables the production of a novel flow cell battery for energy storage. The structural flexibility of the molecule depends on its redox state, which translates into electrolyte solutions that can function with simple barrier separation as opposed to ion-selective membranes found in the state-of-the-art flow batteries.

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Critical need for this technology

Jolt technology will improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries, while reducing overall pack cost. The added safety factor may also result in decreased product liability costs and reduced transportation risks.

Supplemental need for this technology

Extension of Jolt chemistry to redox flow batteries will introduce a viable option for very inexpensive long-term, large-scale energy storage, paving the way for more widespread adoption of energy production from renewable sources (solar, wind, wave, etc.), thus providing obvious environmental and economic benefits.

Potential CO2 Reduction

Electricity generation causes approximately 12,000 MtCO2e of emissions each year. Matching electricity supply with demand requires dispatchable power generation, a function currently filled largely by peaking natural gas power plants. Achieving a zero-emissions grid will require zero-carbon flexible energy generation and/or storage to accommodate increased use of intermittent energy sources like wind and solar, potentially for up to 30% of total electrical energy delivered. Jolt’s energy storage solution can fill this need, potentially reducing thousands of MtCO2e of emissions annually.

Competition

  • There are a number of companies big and small engaged in R&D around novel battery technologies
  • New “beyond lithium ion” technology

Potential markets

For overcharge protection additives, customers will be lithium-ion battery cell manufacturers and electrolyte manufacturers.

Value proposition: The value proposition of this technology includes:

  • The ability of cell manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements more easily
  • Improved safety
  • Access to unused battery capacity
  • An opportunity for future cost reductions

For redox flow battery applications, the greatest value lies in:

  • Energy storage with very low capital costs and low recurring costs
  • Improved cell voltage
  • Increased energy density AND power density
  • Long service life

At a fundamental level, the key advantage over competing technologies in both markets is the ability to reduce costs and improve service life through appropriate molecular design.

Key innovation

Jolt has a unique molecular design approach that allows the facile synthesis of extremely stable compounds that exhibit a completely reversible electrochemical oxidation at very high potentials.

R&D status of product

This technology is described in one published patent application and two additional provisional applications (soon to be three) filed by Michigan State University. Jolt has negotiated a global exclusive license, with options to add licenses for future improvements.

Team overview

Founder and CEO

Tom Guarr

Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Rochester. Director of the Organic Energy Storage Laboratory at the Michigan State University Bioeconomy Institute.

Technology profile

Status:R&D
Primary industry:Energy storage
Category:Materials
Estimated annual revenue:NA
Employs:NA
Social challenge:Energy management
R&D commercial collaborator:NA

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