Investigation of capacity fading in vanadium flow battery electrolytes and recovery via oxalic acid

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2024.0838

Abstract

Abstract:

The vanadium flow battery (VFB) is considered a promising energy storage technology for large-scale commercial applications due to its easy scalability, environmental friendliness, and high safety. However, capacity fade during long-term cycling limits its widespread use in energy storage. This study analyzed changes in the electrochemical characteristics of the VFB before and after cycling and, based on potassium permanganate titration results, identified electrolyte imbalance and electrode degradation — which led to a reduction in anode active material and increased polarization — as the main factors contributing to capacity fade. Furthermore, the specific discharge capacity of the electrolyte was restored to 92.7% of its initial value using oxalic acid reduction, and battery polarization was alleviated by swapping the anode and cathode, confirming that electrode exchange effectively restores and stabilizes the electrodes' electrochemical activity. Finally, the oxalic acid residue problem was resolved using a constant-voltage charging method, and a process route for oxalic acid recovery was established, successfully restoring the average oxidation state of the spent electrolyte from 3.580 to 3.508. This research comprehensively analyzed the underlying causes of VFB capacity fade, providing significant guidance for electrolyte recovery, and proposed a simple, effective technical solution for the residue issue during the oxalic acid recovery process, thereby offering new possibilities for the recovery and reuse of the electrolyte.

Key words: vanadium redox flow batteries, electrolyte recovery, oxalic acid reduction, chemical titration

CLC Number:

TM 911

Tao YE, Yijun WANG, Zilong TANG, Guoliang PAN. Investigation of capacity fading in vanadium flow battery electrolytes and recovery via oxalic acid[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2025, 14(3): 1177-1186.

Figures/Tables 3

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