Neutralization batteries: an acid-base machine

• Grant number: 16/13050-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2016
• End date: February 10, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Fritz Cavalcante Huguenin
• Grantee: Thawan Gomes de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project involves the development of a machine capable of performing work when operated between an acid reservoir and another basic in two buffered stages and in two stages with boundaries permeable to matter. Unlike other energy sources, the neutralization batteries contribute to sustainable development, once the energy storage can be obtained from the treatment of acidic wastewater. A practice that can be profitable for industry and at the same time, contributes to environmental preservation. This project involves studies directed to neutralization batteries, aiming to produce electrical work from entropy change produced by pH and temperature variation. The process of neutralizing for acidic solutions can be performed with the use of intercalation electrodes, providing the entropy increase and the free energy decrease. Electrodes based on polyoxometalates and polycyanometalates with proton and sodium ion insertion properties will be synthesized and investigated for application as electrodes in these batteries with high storage capacity. The materials will be investigated from the electrochemical techniques and thermodynamic models, aiming the determination of pH range to estimate the maximum energy harvesting of neutralization and financial return for the treatment of acid wastewater, contributing to sustainable growth.