Flow batteries having an electrode with differing hydrophilicity on opposing faces and methods for production and use thereof

A method comprising:

• circulating a first electrolyte solution through a first half-cell and a second electrolyte solution through a second half-cell of an electrochemical cell of a flow battery, the electrochemical cell comprising:
• the first half-cell containing a first electrode with a first face and a second face that are directionally opposite one another, the second face of the first electrode being in interfacial contact with a first bipolar plate, the first bipolar plate comprising a first set of non-overlapping flow channels that interface with the first electrode;
• the second half-cell containing a second electrode with a first face and a second face that are directionally opposite one another;
• and
• a separator disposed between the first half-cell and the second half-cell;
• wherein the first faces of both the first and second electrodes are disposed adjacent to the separator, and the first face of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is more hydrophilic than is the second face of the respective electrode;
• and;
• wherein convective flow of at least one of the first electrolyte solution and the second electrolyte solution occurs preferentially in a hydrophilic region of the first electrode or the second electrode proximate the separator.