Addressing the membrane’s dilemma between H+ conduction and Vn+ ion crossover is a challenge for developing the vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). Herein, we developed a series of composite membranes by incorporating sulfonated lignin-modified graphene oxide (GO@SL) into sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK). The GO@SL effectively improves H+ conduction and Vn+ ion resistance of the SPEEK/GO@SL. Relative to the pure SPEEK, the SPEEK/GO@SL composite membranes exhibit higher selectivity (144.8 × 103 S min cm−3). The SPEEK/GO@SL-2 exhibits a higher energy efficiency (81.2% at 100 mA cm−2) and excellent stability. This work validates the significant potential of the GO@SL composite for crafting next-generation ion exchange membranes, offering a promising strategy to overcome the conductivity-permeability trade-off.
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