Abstract: The redox flow cell comprises a reaction cell having two electrode chambers for catholyte and anolyte, which are each connected to at least one store for liquid and are separated by an ion-conducting membrane, and which are equipped with electrodes, wherein the electrode chambers are each filled with electrolyte solutions comprising redox-active components dissolved or dispersed in an electrolyte solvent, as well as optionally conducting salts dissolved therein and optionally further additives.

Abstract: It was an object of the invention to provide, by use of new materials and membranes and with very little outlay, an inexpensive and long-lived redox flow cell which even in the event of a possible serious accident brings about little environmental pollution by its redox-active compounds. According to the invention, high molecular weight compounds such as redox-active polymers or oligomers are provided as redox-active components and a size-exclusion membrane (3) is provided as membrane for the separation of the high molecular weight redox-active components.