Biomass-derived materials for advanced vanadium redox flow batteries

Abstract Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are promising grid-scale energy storage systems due to their high safety, efficiency, and long lifespan. However, their relatively low energy density and the high costs associated with key components (electrolytes, electrodes and membranes) remain significant challenges. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and explore alternative materials that can enhance overall battery performance while reducing costs and mitigating environmental impacts. Biomass-derived materials have attracted increasing attention in this context because of their low cost, environmental friendliness, and excellent performance. Herein, from the viewpoint of key components in VRFBs, we provide a comprehensive review of biomass-derived materials for energy storage through advanced VRFBs. Starting with a brief introduction of VRFBs, we summarize the working principles and challenges of VRFBs. It then presents an overview of biomass-derived materials. The latest progress of biomass-derived materials for improved VRFB components, i.e. the electrolyte, electrode, and membrane, are elucidated thereafter. Furthermore, we outline the challenges and unexplored research opportunities of applying biomass derivatives for advanced VRFBs. This review aims to promote the application of biomass derivatives for sustainable and advanced energy storage.