Effect of carbon-foam composite-coated electrode on the power storage performance of soluble lead flow batteries

Abstract

In this study, we meticulously fabricated a carbon-foam composite-coated electrode through a plating electroless copper technique, which was subsequently followed by electrodeposition of lead on a carbon-foam matrix. The investigation focused on exploring the physicochemical properties of the electrodes and the cycling performances of soluble lead flow batteries. In comparison to a conventional graphite electrode, the carbon-foam composite-coated electrode exhibited superior characteristics, including a higher specific surface area characterized (282 m2 g−1) and a higher conductivity (915.37 S cm−1). The utilization of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrated a notable enhancement in the reversible activity of the Pb/Pb2+ couple on the novel electrode. The porous structure of the novel electrode facilitated efficient charge dispersion between the poles and effectively suppressed the dendrite growth of the negative lead. As indicated by the result, the battery incorporating the novel electrode exhibited an energy efficiency exceeding 90.0 %, an extended charge duration of 6 h, and an elevated charge/discharge rate of 60 mA cm−2. The cell employing the CFCC-E had been successfully cycled for over 650 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency of 94.5 % when cycled at 60 mA cm−2 for 1 h.