The Role and Characteristics of the Polymeric Membrane in Vanadium Redox Flow Battery: A Review

The global problem of air pollution and its consequences, as well as the reduction of fossil fuel reserves, have created the need to use alternative energy sources. Therefore, it is necessary to create and develop the required infrastructure of renewable resources in the production of clean energy. In addition, the use of renewable energy sources is essential at all times to replace non-renewable sources continuously The storage of renewable energy, especially on a large scale, is the requirement of this goal. Batteries are one of the most potential technologies for this purpose Currently, lithium ion and flow batteries are the focus of studies for development and commercialization compared to other types of batteries. Flow batteries, especially vanadium type, are more capable of improving components and commercialization for large scale due to the availability of vanadium elements in nature, elimination of the ignition, and cost reduction compared to lithium batteries. One of the main challenges in this type of battery is the development of a high-performance membrane with low cost. Therefore, the description of performance and components of this type of battery, including the role of polymer membrane and characteristics, can create a perspective for its development and commercialization. To this end, in the present paper, the overall structure, performance, and constituent components of this type of battery have been introduced, focusing on the role of polymer membrane and its characteristics as the key component of its technology. Additionally, in each section recent results reported by the researchers have been presented in brief. Finally according to the literature survey, the future perspective, and remaining challenges for the development of this technology are mentioned.