What is a Redox Flow Battery
A redox flow battery operates on the electrochemical principle of storing and generating electricity through oxidation and reduction reactions between distinct active materials, hence called “Redox” (i.e., “Red” from reducation and “Ox” from oxidation). The key feature that makes them different from conventional batteries is the separation of active materials from the cell where electric current is generated.
Instead of being permanently enclosed in the cell, these materials are stored separately and dynamically pumped into the cell based on energy demand. Redox flow batteries come in various types distinguished by solvent and form of active materials.
Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries (VRFBs) store energy in liquid electrolytes containing vanadium ions in different oxidation states. Compared to traditional batteries that have solid electrodes, vanadium redox flow batteries utilize two separate electrolyte tanks containing vanadium in V2+ form and vanadium in V5+ form, respectively. The electrolytes flow through these separate chambers, and the electrochemical reactions take place in the cells’ stack, generating electrical energy.
Ferro-Alloy Resources Ltd (LON:FAR) is developing the giant Balasausqandiq vanadium deposit in Kyzylordinskaya oblast of southern Kazakhstan. The ore at this deposit is unlike that of nearly all other primary vanadium deposits and is capable of being treated by a much lower cost process.
