Exploring Biomass Derived Electrode Precursors for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are promising technologies for grid-scale energy storage capable of meeting increasing energy demands, seamlessly integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into the electric grid, and improving overall grid reliability and resilience. However, further cost reductions are needed for widespread adoption of RFBs, thus necessitating the advancement of critical system components to improve RFB performance. In particular, the porous carbon electrode plays a crucial role in RFBs by providing active sites for redox reactions, distributing liquid electrolyte, and governing pressure drop. RFB electrodes are typically repurposed gas diffusion layers (GDLs) developed for fuel cells. Though functional, these materials are suboptimal for flow battery applications in terms of surface chemistry and microstructural properties. Post-process modification of commercial GDLs is a common, but …