Chemical Stability of Graphite-Polypropylene Bipolar Plates for the Vanadium Redox Flow Battery at Resting State

Abstract

Current collectors called bipolar plates (BPP) are important elements within the conversion unit of the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). They are in direct contact with acidic electrolytes, containing vanadium species in different oxidation states. The influence of the state of charge (SOC) on the calendar aging of BPPs was examined. Graphite-polypropylene BPPs were immersed in positive and negative vanadium electrolytes at 0%, 20%, 80% and 100% SOC for 30, 90 and 190 days. H2 gas evolution was observed as side reaction on the surface of the BPPs in the negative electrolyte. After electroless aging, scanning electron (SEM) and confocal microscopy measurements showed no significant changes in the surface morphology. The electrical conductivities of the BPPs were not affected significantly. However, contact angle (θ) measurements revealed that the positive electrolyte influenced the wettability of the BPPs. X-ray photoelectron (XP) spectroscopy showed progressing oxidation of the BPP surfaces in the positive electrolyte and adsorption or entrapment of vanadium ions in the pores at high SOC. Cyclic voltammograms (CV) provided evidence that the graphite was oxidized combined with an increase in effective surface area. ATR-FTIR measurements showed slight oxidation of pure polypropylene granulate in the positive electrolyte with 100% SOC.