Conference Publication
Nanostructured g-C3N4-Decorated Graphite Felt Electrodes for Enhanced Redox Kinetics in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Author affiliations and roles
- 1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- 2Center for Sustainability and Energy Technologies, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- 3College of Environment and Resources, Ming Chi University, New Taipei City 24301, Taiwan
- 4Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
4th International Conference on Smart Devices and Sustainable Energy (SDSE 2026) (2026).
Research topic: Redox Flow Batteries
Conference information
Conference abstract
Conference dates: 2026-10-14 – 2026-10-16
New Taipei City, Taiwan
Abstract
Graphite felt (GF), a porous carbon electrode, has few active sites and intrinsic hydrophobicity, which limits its electrochemical performance. Various modification methods—such as surface treatments, coatings with carbon nanomaterials, and metal oxide deposition—have been investigated to overcome these issues1. Still, problems such as poor long-term stability, nanoparticle agglomeration, and weak bonding between the electrode and modifiers persist. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a metal-free 2D material known for its chemical stability, high nitrogen content, and strong hydrophilicity, offers a promising alternative for electrode enhancement2. In this study, different graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanostructures were uniformly decorated on GF via thermal polymerization to improve its redox kinetics for vanadium flow batteries (VRFBs). The nano g-C3N4/GF electrode showed better hydrophilicity, lower charge-transfer resistance, and superior electrochemical activity. Optimal g-C3N4 distribution minimized agglomeration and increased active sites for VO²⁺/VO₂⁺ redox reactions. Improved charge transport and electrolyte access lowered polarization and raised energy efficiency to 84.13% at 80 mA/cm².The enhancement is attributed to strong π–π interactions between g-C3N4 and GF, which increased adhesion, surface area, and electrolyte accessibility. It also had excellent cycling stability over 1000 cycles, proving durability. These findings highlight g-C3N4 as a low-cost, high-performance alternative to noble metal VRFB electrodes.