The present invention is directed to a redox flow battery comprising at least one electrochemical cell in fluid communication with a balancing cell, said balancing cell comprising: a first and second half-cell chamber, wherein the first half-cell chamber comprises a first electrode in contact with a first aqueous electrolyte of the redox flow battery; and wherein the second half-cell chamber comprises a second electrode comprising a catalyst for the generation of O2; and wherein the second half-cell chamber does not contain an aqueous electrolyte.