Technical indicator requirement analysis and industrial development status of key materials for vanadium flow battery

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2025.0454

Abstract

Abstract:

Ion exchange membranes, electrodes, bipolar plates, and vanadium electrolytes are the key materials for vanadium flow batteries, and they have a crucial impact on the performance and cost. The technical specifications of these materials serve as the standards for determining their suitability for use in vanadium flow batteries. They are also an important basis for factory inspections of key material suppliers and for incoming quality inspections by battery manufacturers. From the perspective of industrial development and application, this paper first provides a detailed introduction to the performance requirements and related technical specifications of key materials for vanadium flow battery. The goal is to enhance the understanding of technical indicators by key material suppliers in the upstream of batteries and guide the development and optimization direction of key materials. Next, the paper briefly outlines the main types, production processes, and current industrial development status of key materials, offering insights that can help practioners in the vanadium flow battery industry strengthen their understanding and control of the upstream key material supply chain. Additionally, from the perspective of the development of the vanadium flow battery industry, this paper discusses the current research focus and future industrialization development requirements and directions of key materials. Moreover, this paper proposes that, under the premise of ensuring the performance of vanadium flow battery, future efforts should focus on cost and durability as the core indicators for key materials. These factors are essential for reducing the system costs of vanadium flow battery, extending the service life, and enhancing the market competitiveness of vanadium flow batteries.

Key words: vanadium flow battery, key material, ion exchange membrane, electrode, bipolar plate, vanadium electrolyte

CLC Number:

TK 02

Quanlong LI, Yuanyuan TAO, Mengdi WANG, Shenglong MU, Rongrong ZHANG, Shenglan NI, Zonghao LIU. Technical indicator requirement analysis and industrial development status of key materials for vanadium flow battery[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2025, 14(11): 4170-4183.

Figures/Tables 8

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Table 1

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References 41

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项目	测试性能		单位	指标要求
1	厚度偏差		%	±5%

2	电导率(25 ℃)^①		mS/cm	≥35

3	拉伸强度(横向/纵向)		MPa	≥25

4	吸水率	25 ℃ 24 h	%	≤50

5	尺寸变化率(25 ℃，4 h)	横向/纵向	%	≤10
5	尺寸变化率(25 ℃，4 h)	厚度方向	%	≤10

6	钒离子扩散系数	等压静态法	cm²/s	≤1.5×10^-7

7	抗氧化性测试	VO²⁺氧化测试法	Mg/L	≤0.01
7	抗氧化性测试	Fenton试剂氧化法(质量变化)	%	≤3

序号	测试性能		单位	指标要求
1	厚度均匀性	平均厚度d≤0.4 mm	—	≤6%d
		平均厚度0.4＜d≤1.0 mm		≤5%d
		平均厚度d＞1.0 mm		≤4%d

2	尺寸偏差(长度和宽度方向)		mm	≤±1

3	电性能	体积电阻率^①	Ω·cm	≤0.15
		表面电阻(垂直于板面方向)	Ω·cm²	≤0.10
		与碳毡接触电阻(0.5~0.6 MPa)	Ω·cm²	≤0.10

4	力学性能	抗弯强度	MPa	≥20
		抗拉强度	MPa	≥10
		抗压强度	MPa	≥20

5	耐久性	腐蚀电流密度	μA/cm²	≤16
		钒离子扩散系数	m²/s	≤5×10^-15
		气体透过率	cm³/(cm²·s)	≤2×10^-6
		耐腐蚀性(质量变化)	%	≤±0.5
		尺寸变化率	%	≤±0.5

产品品类	成分		允许偏差
3价电解液	V	≥1.50 mol/L	±0.05 mol/L
	SO₄^2-	≥2.30 mol/L	±0.10 mol/L
	V³⁺∶V	≥0.95

3.5价电解液	V	≥1.50 mol/L	±0.05 mol/L
	SO₄^2-	≥2.30 mol/L	±0.10 mol/L
	V³⁺∶VO²⁺	1.0	±0.10

4价电解液	V	≥1.50 mol/L	±0.05 mol/L
	SO₄^2-	≥2.30 mol/L	±0.10 mol/L
	VO²⁺∶V	≥0.95