Redox flow batteries: recent development in main components, emerging technologies, diagnostic techniques, large-scale applications, and challenges and barriers

Redox flow batteries represent a captivating class of electrochemical energy systems that are gaining prominence in large-scale storage applications. These batteries offer remarkable scalability, flexible operation, extended cycling life, and moderate maintenance costs. The fundamental operation and structure of these batteries revolve around the flow of an electrolyte, which facilitates energy conversion and storage. Notably, the power and energy capacities can be independently designed, allowing for the conversion of chemical energy from input fuel into electricity at working electrodes, resembling the functioning of fuel cells. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the components, advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of redox flow batteries (RFBs). Moreover, it explores various diagnostic techniques employed in analyzing flow batteries. The discussion encompasses the utilization of RFBs for large-scale energy storage applications and summarizes the engineering design aspects related to these batteries. Additionally, this study delves into emerging technologies, applications, and challenges in the realm of redox flow batteries.