Investigating Bubble Formation and Evolution in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries via Synchrotron X-Ray Imaging

The parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) hinders electrolyte transport. It reduces the effective electrochemical surface area in the negative half-cell of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), resulting in substantial efficiency losses. This study investigates the formation and evolution of hydrogen bubbles within VRFB electrodes through comprehensive experimental characterization and a detailed analysis of the resolved bubbles. The electrode is imaged using synchrotron X-ray tomography, and gas bubbles in the images are identified and characterized using a deep learning model combined with a morphological analysis tool. The HER intensity increases at more negative working electrode potentials, causing residual bubbles to grow and fuse in the electrode central region. In contrast, independent bubbles predominantly form at the electrode edges. Furthermore, bubble growth leads to the gradual development of irregular shapes. These observations provide insights into bubble formation and evolution rules, contributing to a better understanding of the system.