Electrospinning technology to prepare in-situ Cr2O3 modified carbon nanofibers as dual-function electrode material for vanadium redox battery

Abstract Electrospinning is a special fiber manufacturing process, which has the advantages of simple equipment, low cost, and controllable process conditions. Cr2O3 is grown in situ on carbon nanofibers by electrospinning technology. The effects of different contents of Cr2O3 on the morphology and physicochemical properties of carbon nanofibers are systematically studied. The in-situ Cr2O3 nanoparticles were distributed evenly on the carbon nanofibers, which increase the defect degree of the carbon nanofibers. The carbon fiber electrode modified by Cr2O3 has good electrochemical reversibility and activity for vanadium ion redox reaction. At 150 mA·cm−2, compared with pristine cell, the discharge capacity and energy efficiency of modified battery are increased by 77.2% and 6%, respectively. The energy storage performance of modified battery has been significantly improved. The synergistic effect of carbon nanofibers and second phase catalyst Cr2O3 with high catalytic performance can effectively enhance the performance of VRFB.