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Boxerfan

(2,531 posts)
Mon Jul 27, 2020, 10:30 PM Jul 2020

From stinky fruit to diamonds-a peek at innovations in batteries.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200724-the-battery-made-from-diamonds-that-could-last-1000-years

Snip
"Everyone is carrying around a lithium-ion battery mined by children,” says Jodie Lutkenhaus, a chemical engineer at Texas A&M University.

This has inspired her to develop alternatives to these “blood batteries” using proteins, the complex molecules created and used by living organisms. Batteries’ anodes tend to be made of graphite and cathodes are made of metal oxides that contain elements such as cobalt. If these can be replaced with organic materials for both the active electrodes it means cobalt will no longer have to be mined.

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"Super fruit

One innovative group are not only trying to find new ways to power our devices, but also tackle the issue of food waste at the same time. Vincent Gomes, a chemical engineer at the University of Sydney, and his team, including Labna Shabnam, are turning waste from the world’s smelliest fruit, durian, and the world’s largest fruit, jackfruit, into a supercapacitor that can charge mobile phones, tablets and laptops within minutes.

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Diamonds!
"“The batteries are absolutely tiny,” says Scott. So far, the researchers have been able to generate diamond batteries that produce 1.8 volts – similar to an AA battery – although it has a much lower current. They are technically rechargeable too, but would require a few hours inside a reactor core to reach their original output, says Scott. Although the steady trickle of current created as the radioactive material decays means they will emit electricity for an incredibly long time – carbon has a half-life of 5,730 years.


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At least somebody is trying...It is a seminal issue we need to overcome.
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From stinky fruit to diamonds-a peek at innovations in batteries. (Original Post) Boxerfan Jul 2020 OP
Durian strikes again! soothsayer Jul 2020 #1
So glad to hear this! There are companies making soft drink bottles out of plants, as well! BComplex Jul 2020 #2
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