New glucose-powered flow battery uses vitamin B2 to create energy

Researchers have developed the world’s first flow battery powered by vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and glucose, inspired by how the human body generates energy from food. This bio-inspired system uses riboflavin as an electron mediator to transfer electrons between electrodes and a glucose-based electrolyte, producing electricity from sugar. The prototype employs carbon electrodes and natural, non-toxic, and inexpensive materials, offering a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries by being safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. The study tested two configurations: one using potassium ferricyanide and another using oxygen as the positive electrode. The potassium ferricyanide cell demonstrated power density comparable to commercial vanadium flow batteries, while the oxygen-based cell, though slower and prone to riboflavin degradation under light, showed potential for cost-effective large-scale production. Future work aims to address the vitamin’s light sensitivity and optimize the flow cell design. This riboflavin–glucose battery represents a significant step toward sustainable, biodegradable