Method for Comparing Porous Carbon Electrode Performance in Redox Flow Batteries

Abstract

We present a method for comparing porous electrodes for use in redox flow batteries. By comparing physical and electrochemical properties of six carbon cloth electrodes (CCEs) including hydraulic permeability, Ohmic resistance, and mass transport overpotential, we show how optimal engineering conditions such as compression and electrolyte flow rates can be derived. These results are combined and applied to a quinone-based redox flow battery, leading to a peak power density around 0.4 W cm−2 for several different CCEs. This method can be applied broadly to other electrode architectures and flow battery chemistries, and provides a comprehensive framework for their comparison.