MIT researchers have developed a new organic battery material, described in a study published in ACS Central Science, that provides a sustainable alternative for powering electric vehicles. This lithium-ion battery uses an organic cathode instead of cobalt or nickel, which are routinely utilized but have high financial, environmental, and social implications.
The novel organic material, demonstrated in a study headed by Mircea Dinc, the W.M. Keck Professor of Energy at MIT, has conductivity and storage capacity comparable to cobalt batteries. Also, it has faster charging capabilities and can be made at a much lower cost.
Unlike typical cobalt batteries, which have supply chain issues and environmental concerns owing to mining techniques, organic material offers a more sustainable choice. It avoids the hazardous working conditions and pollution to the environment that come with cobalt extraction.
The research team's substance, made up of layers of TAQ (bis-tetraaminobenzoquinone), an organic small molecule, has the stability and insolubility required for battery longevity. Filler materials like cellulose and rubber improve stability and adherence to the battery's current collector without significantly reducing storage capacity.
The organic battery's core components, quinone and amine precursors, are readily available, implying a cost advantage over cobalt batteries. Lamborghini has licensed the patent, indicating a potential industry interest in advancing battery technology.
The transition to sustainable battery materials has the potential to transform the electric vehicle market by improving performance while also providing environmental benefits. While obstacles remain, including as mass production and market integration, the organic battery represents a promising step toward a more environmentally friendly future for energy storage options.
A CSR Initiative of
Designed and Executed by
Implemented by
Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
