Advances in soluble lead-acid flow batteries technology: mechanisms, challenges, and optimization strategies
摘要
Soluble lead acid flow batteries (SLFBs) are a promising single electrolyte energy storage technology in which Pb2+ ions are stored in solution and reversibly converted to Pb at the negative electrode and PbO2 at the positive electrode. This membrane free configuration combines the low material cost of conventional lead acid batteries with the flexible architecture of flow batteries, offering potential for low cost and long duration energy storage. This review provides a systematic overview of SLFBs based on the Pb/Pb2+ and PbO2/Pb2+ redox couples, with emphasis on electrodeposition and dissolution behavior, electrode electrolyte interfacial evolution, Pb2+ mass transport, electrolyte chemistry, electrode design, and scalable cell architectures. The main technical barriers to practical deployment are critically discussed, including Pb dendrite formation, incomplete Pb stripping, reduced conductivity and stability of the PbO2 layer, concentration gradient induced polarization, and nonuniform reaction distribution under flow conditions. Recent progress in electrolyte formulation, additive regulation, electrode surface engineering, flow field design, and multiscale interface control is further summarized. By linking reaction mechanisms, interfacial structure, and cell performance, this review clarifies the key structure performance relationships governing SLFB operation and outlines practical strategies for developing reliable, recyclable, and economically viable long duration storage systems.