Fe/V redox flow battery electrolyte investigation and optimization

The recently invented iron (Fe)/vanadium (V) redox flow battery (IVB) system has attracted increasing attention because of its long-term cycling stability and low-cost membrane/separator. In this paper, we describe our extensive matrix study of factors such as electrolyte composition, state of charge (SOC), and temperature that influence the stability of electrolytes in both positive and negative half-cells. During the study, an optimized electrolyte that can be operated in a temperature range from −5 °C to 50 °C without precipitation is identified. Fe/V flow cells using the optimized electrolyte and low-cost separator exhibit satisfactory cycling performance at different temperatures. Efficiencies, capacities, and energy densities of flow batteries at various temperatures are studied.

► Electrolyte of Fe/V redox flow battery is thoroughly investigated and optimized.
► An electrolyte stable in a temperature range from −5 °C to 50 °C is identified.
► Cycling performance of the optimized electrolyte and low-cost membrane is reported.