Advanced Materials for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries: Major Obstacles and Optimization Strategies

Abstract Electrochemical energy storage (EES) demonstrates significant potential for large‐scale applications in renewable energy storage. Among these systems, vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) have garnered considerable attention due to their promising prospects for widespread utilization. The performance and economic viability of VRFB largely depend on their critical components, including membranes, electrodes, and electrolytes. However, membranes, as the fundamental materials for ion conduction, often struggle to effectively balance proton transfer performance while preventing vanadium crossover, enhancing long‐term stability, and reducing manufacturing costs. Additionally, the inherent structural limitations and surface property defects of electrode materials significantly impact the improvement of the V²⁺/V³⁺ electrochemical reaction kinetics and the enhancement of VRFB power density. Furthermore, the composition and concentration of the electrolyte play a crucial role in determining the cost of VRFB, as well as its energy density and cycling performance. This review analyzes and summarizes the inherent limitations of each critical component, and reviews and evaluates the latest research advancements in material modification, structural optimization, and manufacturing processes for these components over the past 5 years. Moreover, a comprehensive assessment of their environmental sustainability, economic feasibility, and electrochemical performance is presented, aiming to provide strategic guidance for the large‐scale commercialization of VRFB.