Production of High-Performance Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries Electrolytes- Extraction of Impurities and optimisation

The Challenge

Vanadium used in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries ( VRFB) required low impurities for optimum electrolyte performance. Vanadium in Western Australia from titanomagnetites if currently not used in these batteries despite the large resource base in the state.

Proposed Solution

This research addresses critical barriers to the widespread adoption of VRFBs by developing a pathway for producing high-performance electrolytes directly from titanomagnetite leach liquors. By integrating vanadium extraction methods with targeted impurity removal strategies, this study aims to streamline the electrolyte production process and deliver high-performance vanadium electrolytes suitable for large-scale energy storage systems. Building on foundational knowledge of impurity effects in vanadium electrolytes, this research takes an integrated approach to combine extraction, purification, and performance validation steps into a streamlined production pathway

Proposed Benefits to WA

The projected positive outcomes of this study for Western Australia include;

• Identify tolerable impurity concentration levels in WA vanadium to ensure optimal electrochemical performance of vanadium electrolytes.
• Propose a scalable and efficient production method for synthesising vanadium electrolytes directly from WA titanomagnetite leach liquors.
• Validate the operational performance of purified electrolytes, demonstrating their suitability for VRFB systems.

The use of VRFB is suitable for hot and dry conditions in the north West of Australia and the more economic electrolytes will aid in further use.

Funding DOI

DOI: 10.71342/054878941504