(Invited) factors influencing the performance of vanadium flow batteries: Electrodes and electrolytes

D. Noel Buckley, Andrea Bourke, Daniela Oboroceanu, Nathan Quill, Catherine Lenihan, Maria Al Hajji Safi, Mallory A. Miller, Robert F. Savinell, Jesse S. Wainright, Robert P. Lynch

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    7 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The electrochemical kinetics of the VII-VIII reaction on carbon electrodes is enhanced by anodic treatment and inhibited by cathodic treatment. In contrast, the kinetics of VIV-VV is inhibited by anodic treatment and enhanced by cathodic treatment. Rate constants are greater for VIV-VV than for VII-VIII under comparable conditions. The observed effects are attributed to oxygen-containing species on the surface of carbon electrodes and it is likely that enhancement of both VII-VIII and VIV-VV is due to the same (active) state of the electrode. Oxidation of this active state leads to inhibition of VIV-VV while reduction of the same active state leads to inhibition of VII-VIII. Using our standard methodology, we investigated the thermal stability of VFB catholytes. We showed that the induction time for precipitation of V2O5 decreases exponentially with increasing temperature or VV concentration but increases exponentially with increasing sulphate concentration. Arrhenius plots show two linear regimes, at 45-70 °C and 30-45 °C, respectively. We model this to estimate acceleration factors for testing of electrolyte stability over a range of test and use temperatures. Both arsenate and phosphate are effective additives for improving the thermal stability of VFB catholytes.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationPRiME 2020
    Subtitle of host publicationPolymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers 20 (PEFC and E 20)
    EditorsK. Swider-Lyons, H. Uchida, P. N. Pintauro, W. Mustain, F. Buechi, B. S. Pivovar, C. A. Rice, J. M. Fenton, P. Strasser, K. E. Ayers, A. Z. Weber, R. A. Mantz, H. Xu, S. Mitsushima, E. Kjeang, T. J. Schmidt, B. Lakshmanan, A. Kusoglu, H. Jia, D. J. Jones, D. H. Ha, S. K. Kim
    PublisherInstitute of Physics
    Pages223-239
    Number of pages17
    Edition9
    ISBN (Electronic)9781607689041
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2020
    EventPacific Rim Meeting on Electrochemical and Solid State Science 2020, PRiME 200 - Honolulu, United States
    Duration: 04 Oct 202009 Oct 2020

    Publication series

    NameECS Transactions
    Number9
    Volume98
    ISSN (Print)1938-6737
    ISSN (Electronic)1938-5862

    Conference

    ConferencePacific Rim Meeting on Electrochemical and Solid State Science 2020, PRiME 200
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityHonolulu
    Period04/10/202009/10/2020

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