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Redox Flow Batteries: Materials, Design and Prospects

Author

Listed:
  • Igor Iwakiri

    (Vasco da Gama CoLAB—Energy Storage, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    The authors I.I. and T.A. contributed equally to the manuscript.)

  • Tiago Antunes

    (Vasco da Gama CoLAB—Energy Storage, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    The authors I.I. and T.A. contributed equally to the manuscript.)

  • Helena Almeida

    (LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • João P. Sousa

    (Vasco da Gama CoLAB—Energy Storage, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Rita Bacelar Figueira

    (Vasco da Gama CoLAB—Energy Storage, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Adélio Mendes

    (LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

The implementation of renewable energy sources is rapidly growing in the electrical sector. This is a major step for civilization since it will reduce the carbon footprint and ensure a sustainable future. Nevertheless, these sources of energy are far from perfect and require complementary technologies to ensure dispatchable energy and this requires storage. In the last few decades, redox flow batteries (RFB) have been revealed to be an interesting alternative for this application, mainly due to their versatility and scalability. This technology has been the focus of intense research and great advances in the last decade. This review aims to summarize the most relevant advances achieved in the last few years, i.e., from 2015 until the middle of 2021. A synopsis of the different types of RFB technology will be conducted. Particular attention will be given to vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB), the most mature RFB technology, but also to the emerging most promising chemistries. An in-depth review will be performed regarding the main innovations, materials, and designs. The main drawbacks and future perspectives for this technology will also be addressed.

Suggested Citation

  • Igor Iwakiri & Tiago Antunes & Helena Almeida & João P. Sousa & Rita Bacelar Figueira & Adélio Mendes, 2021. "Redox Flow Batteries: Materials, Design and Prospects," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-45, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:18:p:5643-:d:631354
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    1. Snigdha Saha & Kranthi Kumar Maniam & Shiladitya Paul & Venkata Suresh Patnaikuni, 2023. "Hydrodynamic and Electrochemical Analysis of Compression and Flow Field Designs in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-33, August.
    2. Kalina Detka & Krzysztof Górecki, 2023. "Selected Technologies of Electrochemical Energy Storage—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-36, June.

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