It allows for safe and environmentally friendly energy storage.
Scientists are striving to produce sustainable batteries made from proteins that will one day become an alternative to traditional lithium batteries, providing a safer environment.
“Synthetic peptides that make up proteins and other polymers can be used to make electrodes, opening the way for a new theory of transport mechanisms,” said a study presented by American researchers on Monday.
“Fortunately, the side chains of peptide atoms can be controlled without altering the core structure,” said Tan Nguyen, PhD student and co-author of the study, according to the accompanying press release. Current lithium batteries are harmful to the environment, as the cost of recycling them exceeds the cost of manufacturing them, resulting in their accumulation in landfills. There is currently no safe method for disposing of them, so the development of protein-based organic batteries may be the ideal solution to overcome this problem.
Karen Woolley, a professor of chemistry and head of the research team at Texas A&M University, explains that the chemical bonds in the most important part of peptides are extremely stable, which emphasizes sustainability, and can be easily recycled when broken.
Woolley says, “We’re looking to use peptides in areas like rechargeable batteries to store electrical energy.” Another advantage is that by using a protein-based structure, we can build upon naturally occurring structures found in proteins that allow for efficient electron transport—a property that can be developed to control battery performance.
Researchers are working to create prototypes of these batteries. The flexibility and diversity of protein structures offer tremendous potential for more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy storage.
Woolley said: “Organic batteries can be used efficiently in rechargeable types, but it may take years before this product is brought to market,” stressing the need to ensure the product can be reused with the least possible environmental impact.
Woolley says, “Our long-term goal is to produce recyclable, non-metallic materials for batteries that align with the principles of a circular economy, minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization, and to meet the need for sustainable and efficient alternative energy sources (such as capacitors).” We strive to build a more sustainable world in light of the ever-increasing demand for energy technology.
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