The integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the energy supply has driven the need for large-scale energy storage technologies. Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are considered promising due to their long lifespan, high safety, and flexible design. However, the graphite felt (GF) electrode, a critical component of VRFBs, faces challenges due to the scarcity of active sites, leading to low electrochemical activity. Herein, we developed a bismuth nanoparticle uniformly modified graphite felt (Bi-GF) electrode using a bismuth oxide-mediated hydrothermal pyrolysis method. The Bi-GF electrode demonstrated significantly improved electrochemical performance, with higher peak current densities and lower charge transfer resistance than those of the pristine GF. VRFBs utilizing Bi-GF electrodes achieved a charge-discharge capacity exceeding 700 mAh at 200 mA/cm2, with a voltage efficiency above 84%, an energy efficiency of 83.05%, and an electrolyte utilization rate exceeding 70%. This work provides new insights into the design and development of efficient electrodes, which is of great significance for improving the efficiency and reducing the cost of VRFBs.
Keywords: bismuth nanoparticles; catalytic activity; electrode modification; vanadium redox flow batteries.