Computational modeling is a powerful tool for predicting the long-term performance of grid-scale energy storage systems such as vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB). However the accuracy of the models over thousands of cycles is highly dependent on the accuracy of the input parameters. The objective of this work is to determine important reactions kinetic parameters (i.e., reaction rate constants and charge transfer coefficients) of functionalized carbon-felt electrodes that are commonly used in VRFB modeling studies. Cyclic voltammetry measurements of the positive half-cell reactions were obtained at 1-5 mV/s scan rates for raw, heat treated and acid treated carbon-felt electrodes. The experiments indicate that in each case, the oxidation reaction appears to be more favorable than the reduction reaction regardless of the functionalization type. Among the electrodes, heat treated electrode has shown the highest reaction rate and the best cycling performance as compared to acid treated and raw electrodes.

Reaction kinetics of vanadium species on functionalized carbon-felt electrodes of vanadium redox flow batteries

244th National Meeting (2012)

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