INCREASING REACTANT UTILIZATION IN FE/V FLOW BATTERIES

A method and a system for using flow cell batteries with mixed Fe/V electrolytes are provided. An exemplary method includes flowing an anolyte through a first channel in an electrochemical cell, wherein the first channel is formed in the space between an anode current collector and an ion exchange membrane. A catholyte is flowed through a second channel in the electrochemical cell, wherein the second channel is formed in the space between a cathode current collector and the ion exchange membrane, wherein the first channel and the second channel are separated by an ion exchange membrane, and wherein the catholyte includes a mixed electrolyte including both iron and vanadium ions. Ions are flowed through the ion exchange membrane to oxidize the anolyte and reduce the catholyte. An electric current is generated between the anode current collector and the cathode current collector.