Abstract

Modern energy systems such as redox flow batteries (RFB) or biological fuel cells (BFC) are becoming increasingly popular in the specialist trade [1-5]. Despite a number of demonstrative tests and the increasing number of media representations [4-7], up to now the systems are cost-intensive and for some components like bipolar plates are only a few materials are usable like original carbon materials. So, the development and knowledge in processing of the components are essential for the economic efficiency of the systems. However, it is necessary to look at the surface structure of the materials as one of the parameters defined by different production methods and after-treatment. There are some measurement methods commercially available, which are tested on different samples and generate different values. It can be concluded that optical methods are more suitable than mechanical ones.

Keywords: Vanadium redox flow batteries; Biological fuel cells; Graphite compound; Bipolar plates;Surface roughness