Elektrolyys

Elektrolyys is a term used in theoretical and emerging energy-storage literature to describe a family of electrochemical devices that store electrical energy through integrated electrolysis and chemical cycling. In Elektrolyys, energy is captured by driving chemical reactions that store energy within the electrolyte or related materials, and later released by reverse reactions.

The core idea involves redox-active electrolytes and porous electrodes enabling reversible electrochemical transformations. During charging, electrical energy drives electrolysis of stored species, creating chemical bonds or phase changes that hold energy. During discharge, the stored chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy through controlled recombination or redox reactions. Some designs use circulating electrolytes in a flow system, while others employ solid or gel electrolytes.

Variants may target high energy density, fast response, or long cycle life. Aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes, organic solvents, and solid-state platforms have been proposed, with configurations ranging from chemical-looping-like cycles to integrated electrolysis and fuel-cell–like reversibility. Efficiency, safety, and durability hinge on electrolyte stability, electrode compatibility, and effective gas management when gas products are involved.

Status and outlook: Elektrolyys remains largely experimental and exploratory, with limited demonstrations in laboratory settings. If scalable, it could complement or compete with conventional batteries and power-to-gas approaches for grid storage, renewable energy smoothing, and remote power systems. Critical barriers include material degradation, cross-contamination, and cost.

See also: Electrolysis, Redox-flow battery, Chemical looping, Energy storage.