PROTECTIVE LAYER FOR AN ELECTROLYTE IN A FLOW BATTERY

A protective layer for an electrolyte in a flow battery and an electrolyte tank having a protective layer. The protective layer includes a light oil that includes hydrophobic hydrocarbons. The light oil having a density lower than a density of the electrolyte, the hydrophobic hydrocarbons being non-reactive to the electrolyte. The protective layer may be a liquid layer or may include a substrate impregnated with the light oil. An inert gas may also be utilized in the electrolyte tank.