Scientists at Texas A&M University have invented a biodegradable battery with natural polymers, similar to those in our own bodies. They say we could even consume their breakthrough material as food if we wanted to. We decided to pass over that idea in case we get indigestion, and suggest you consider doing the same!
Natural Biodegradable Battery Materials With a History
The Texas A&M University project is no flash in the pan like a take away meal. Distinguished Chemistry Prof Karen Wooley spent fifteen years researching natural products for sustainable, degradable plastics. Hence her interest in developing a battery that ‘disappears safely’ when we no longer need it.
Wooley and her colleagues derived the natural polymer for their degradable battery from two common ingredients in nature. These are Riboflavin Vitamin B2, and L-Glutamic Amino Acid. Riboflavin keeps our our skin, hair and eyes healthy. L-Glutamic Acid helps build protein in our bodies.
The team’s first step towards creating their biodegradable battery with natural polymers, involved building on ideas of colleague PhD Grad Dr Shih-Guo Li. He had previously found a way to connect bio-renewable building blocks into chain-like structures, with his eye on organic polymer batteries.
Natural Polymers Are Key to Texas A&M Battery
The new material, building on Dr Shih-Guo Li’s ideas, proved to have natural redox activity. This meant it could receive, store, and release electrons just like commercial batteries. In this particular case, the Riboflavin handled the flow of energy, while the L-Glutamic Acid helped the material break down safely for recycling.
These advantages proved ideal for storing electrons in a renewable battery anode. This is a significant step down the road to a biodegradable battery with natural polymers. It is further proof that it is possible to build a high-performance battery, while simultaneously meeting the need for sustainability.
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