Electrochemical Properties of Graphite-based Electrodes for Redox Flow Batteries

Graphite-based electrodes were prepared using synthetic graphite (MCMB 1028) or natural graphite (NG) powder using a dimensionally stable anode (DSA) as a substrate. Their electrochemical properties were investigated in vanadiumbased electrolytes to determine how to increase the durability and improve the energy efficiency of redox flow batteries. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was performed in the voltage range of -0.7 V to 1.6 V vs. SCE at various scan rates to analyze the vanadium redox reaction. The graphite-based electrodes showed a fast redox reaction and good reversibility in a highly concentrated acidic electrolyte. The increased electrochemical activity of the NG-based electrode for the $V^{4+}/V^{5+}$ redox reaction can be attributed to the increased surface concentration of functional groups from the addition of conductive material that served as a catalyst. Therefore, it is expected that this electrode can be used to increase the power density and energy density of redox flow batteries.