Flow batteries (FBs) are currently one of the most promising technologies for large-scale energy storage. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the state-of-the-art progress in FBs from the new perspectives of technological and environmental sustainability, thus guiding the future development of FB technologies.
Realizing decarbonization and sustainable energy supply by the integration of variable renewable energies has become an important direction for energy development. Flow batteries (FBs) are currently one of the most promising technologies for large-scale energy storage. This review aims to provide a comprehen ChemSocRev – Highlights from 2023
Why is flow battery research important?
Overall, the research of flow batteries should focus on improvements in power and energy density along with cost reductions. In addition, because the design and development of flow battery stacks are vital for industrialization, the structural design and optimization of key materials and stacks of flow batteries are also important.
What is a flow battery?
Flow batteries have received increasing attention because of their ability to accelerate the utilization of renewable energy by resolving issues of discontinuity, instability and uncontrollability. Currently, widely studied flow batteries include traditional vanadium and zinc-based flow batteries as well as novel flow battery systems.
Are redox flow batteries a viable energy storage system?
As one of the most promising electrochemical energy storage systems, redox flow batteries (RFBs) have received increasing attention due to their attractive features for large-scale storage applications. However, their practical deployment in commerce and industry is still impeded by their relatively high cost and low energy density.
Which aqueous flow batteries are the most promising?
Therefore, the most promising systems remain vanadium and zinc-based flow batteries as well as novel aqueous flow batteries. Overall, the research of flow batteries should focus on improvements in power and energy density along with cost reductions.
Are aqueous flow battery systems better for industrial applications?
Compared with non-aqueous flow battery systems, the lower electrolyte resistance, higher power density, lower costs, higher safety and better environmental friendliness of aqueous flow battery systems make them more promising for industrial applications.