A Multi-Component Electrochemical Energy System Based on Pb-Ni Composite Oxide Anode, Ag₂O Cathode, and Glycerol-Containing Hybrid Electrolyte: A Theoretical Design Proposal

We propose a novel multi-component electrochemical energy system that integrates a bifunctional Pb-Ni composite oxide anode, an Ag₂O cathode, and a KOH/NaCl/glycerol hybrid electrolyte. The system is theoretically designed to utilize the glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) for simultaneous electrical energy generation and production of value-added chemicals. A pH gradient across the cell enables harvesting of electrochemical neutralization energy (ENE) as a secondary energy source. Dynamic amphiphilic corrosion inhibition, enabled by open-loop glycerol replenishment and natural inhibitors present in crude glycerol, is proposed to protect the Pb electrode from Cl⁻-induced pitting corrosion. Theoretical cell voltages, energy density estimations, and key design considerations are presented. This conceptual framework explores an underexplored intersection of GOR electrochemistry, hybrid electrolyte design, and composite electrode engineering, calling for experimental validation.