One section is dedicated to seals, which - as so often - are an underestimated component of redox flow batteries. In this gasket part of the chapter, the most common materials and interactions between gaskets and other stack components are presented, as well as the material properties, characterization and processing methods of the gaskets. 1.
Besides the bipolar plate, the gasket is a very important component of the battery stack and tends to be heavily underestimated. It plays a key role in the mechanical properties of the stack. Inappropriately selected gasket materials may cause cracks in the bipolar plates or may affect the membrane-structure negatively.
1. Introduction Redox flow batteries (RFB) are electrochemical reactors suitable for storing electrical energy by chemical reactions [ 1 ]. Depending on the technology used, this reaction can take place at elevated temperatures and/or in aggressive media, with an electrochemical potential superimposed.
However, due to an intrinsic fragility caused by a high filling load with graphite, graphite composite plates require a greater thickness than metal plates, resulting in more weight and volume of the stack. From a cost point of view, the membrane is certainly considered the dominant part of the redox flow battery stack.
Furthermore, recycling is also considered. One section is dedicated to seals, which - as so often - are an underestimated component of redox flow batteries.
As already mentioned, the chemical conditions for the materials used in redox flow batteries are challenging [ 3 ]. Most systems are operated between 40°C and 60°C in a liquid of dissolved vanadium salts in sulfuric acid.