Overview

The increasing integration of renewable energy into power systems has created a need for reliable, large-scale energy storage solutions to address intermittency. Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are a promising option due to their long cycle life, rapid response, and operational safety. However, their widespread adoption is constrained by stringent electrolyte purity requirements and the lack of clearly defined impurity tolerance limits.

This webinar explores how transition metal impurities affect VRFB electrolyte performance, focusing on their impact on electrochemical behaviour, including reaction kinetics, mass transport, and overall efficiency. The talk presents findings from systematic electrochemical studies and highlights the importance of defining tolerable impurity concentration limits.

Building on these insights, a streamlined approach to electrolyte production from vanadium leach liquors is introduced, with impurity tolerance incorporated into the process design. This approach reduces reliance on extensive purification and supports the development of more efficient and scalable electrolyte production pathways.

Speaker

Georgina Thompson, PhD Candidate, Murdoch University

Georgina is a PhD candidate at the Extractive Metallurgy Hub at Murdoch University. She obtained her BSc in Minerals Engineering from the University of Mines and Technology, Ghana. Her research focuses on vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), with an emphasis on improving vanadium electrolyte production technology to enable more efficient and scalable energy storage solutions.

The material presented in this webinar has been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenters' own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the JCEC Western Australia. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Time

17:30–18:30 AWST.

Software

The presentation will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. We recommend downloading the app from the Microsoft website, rather than using the web portal.