X-ray computed tomography (CT) for ex situ characterization of carbon-polymer composite bipolar plates for vanadium redox flow batteries

We want to investigate the structural changes occurring in carbon-composite bipolar plates (BPPs) for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) employing X-ray CT. The BPPs under investigation consist of a conductive carbon filler, crystalline graphite, and polypropylene binder. As a first goal of the current proposal, we would like to study the influence of conductive filler type on the inner structure of the BPPs and correlate the structure with electrical conductivity. These BPPs need to be (electro-)chemically resistant to avoid corrosion. Therefore, as a second goal of the experiment, we want to conduct ex situ experiments on corroded BPPs to probe structural changes taking place from the surface towards the bulk in order to gain inights on the corrosion mechanism. To summarize, we are investigating the degradation of BPPs upon electrochemical corrosion and developing novel carbon materials to improve their lifetime and thereby, the efficiency of VRFBs in the current project.