RuO2/MWCNT/ stainless steel mesh as a novel positive electrode in vanadium redox flow batteries

Abstract

The present work describes the preparation and electrochemical characterization of RuO₂/MWCNT/Stainless Steel Mesh (SSM) electrode as compared with a MWCNT/SSM electrode in the positive half-cell of a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB). The electrochemical characterization of prepared electrode was carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charge/discharge procedures. The electrochemical activity of MWCNT/SSM modified with RuO₂ as positive electrode in a VRFB was notably improved. The RuO₂-included electrodes demonstrated high peak current ratio, small peak potential difference and high electron transfer rate constant, confirming excellent electro-catalytic activity and reversibility. These good electrochemical results, together with the long term stability of the prepared electrode, represent a significant step forward in the development of highly effective positive electrode materials for VRFBs.