MEM is an effective bromine complexing agent for circulating ZnBr₂ rechargeable batteries. During batteries operations so-called “bromine fused salts” – liquid polybromide phases are formed between MEM and Br₂.

Formation of immiscible polybromide complexes lowered bromine concentration in aqueous phase and therefore bromine vapor pressure strongly decreases. As a result of complexation bromine activity is reduced and this lowers the rate of corrosion in the battery.

Polybromide complexes can be stored in external storage tanks which significantly decreases rate of battery self-discharge.