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Ion transport behaviors in ion-conducting membranes for flow batteries

Authors： HUANG Wenxin1,3, HUANG Yuqin1,3, LU Wenjing1,2, YUAN Zhizhang1,2, LI Xianfeng1

Units： 1. Division of Energy Storage, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China; 2. Key Laboratory of Long-Duration and Large-Scale Energy Storage (Chinese Academy of Sciences), Dalian 116023, China; 3. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

KeyWords： flow batteries; membrane; ion transport channel; ion transport behaviors

ClassificationCode：TQ021.4

year,volume(issue):pagination： 2026,46(2):191-208

Abstract：

Ion-conducting membranes serve as core components that dictate the energy storage performance and cost of flow batteries. This paper systematically reviews the research progress on ion transport processes within membranes for flow batteries. Centered on the mechanism of ion transport in membranes, the ion conduction mechanisms, performance advantages, and challenges of various polymeric and inorganic membranes were first analyzed, then elaborated on the latest advances in investigating ion transport mechanisms in microphase-separated channels and micropores (including nanochannels and subnanochannels) through molecular design, pore structure regulation, combined with multiscale characterization techniques and theoretical simulation methods. Finally, an outlook on the research and development of next-generation membrane materials with high ion selectivity, high conductivity, and high stability was provided.

Funds：

国家重点研发计划（2021YFB4000300）；国家自然科学基金（22322812，22525081）；大连市科技人才创新支持政策实施计划项目（2024RJ008）；长时规模储能重点实验室自主部署重点项目（2025ZD-01）

AuthorIntro：

黄雯欣（2002-），女，江西上饶人，硕士研究生，主要从事液流电池膜材料研究

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