Use of Cosmetic Ingredients for Battery Protection
Shielding Batteries with Cosmetics. Xanthan gum, sourced from plants like cabbage and renowned for its carbohydrate makeup, traditionally acts as a natural barrier in beauty products. In a recent innovation, this substance has been repurposed to create a protective layer for battery electrodes, deviating from its typical skincare application.
Shielding Batteries with Cosmetics: a protective film by blending polymers
Professor Changshin Jo and Jooyoung Jang, a PhD candidate from the Chemical Engineering Department at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), collaborated to fabricate a protective film by blending polymers. This film significantly bolsters the endurance of battery electrodes, with their research outcomes highlighted in the Energy Storage Materials journal.
Given the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources such as solar power, the significance of energy storage systems (ESS) is on the rise. These systems enable the capture and effective utilization of electricity, crucial for maximizing renewable energy benefits. Although lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have been traditionally used in ESS applications, their high cost and lithium scarcity have prompted investigations into alternative solutions.
One such promising substitute for lithium is zinc (Zn), an abundant terrestrial element. Zinc-ion batteries boast considerable energy storage capacity and offer enhanced safety against fire risks compared to lithium-ion batteries.
Nevertheless, ensuring consistent zinc deposition on electrodes in ESS batteries remains a formidable challenge. The repetitive charging and discharging cycles often lead to the formation of crystal-like structures on the zinc surface, diminishing the battery’s overall lifespan.
The biopolymer
The research team utilized xanthan gum, a biopolymer, alongside an ionically conductive polymer to create a protective film for battery electrodes. This film, formed from the interaction of these polymers, effectively safeguarded the electrode from physical damage and chemical contaminants.
It also contained abundant oxygen functional groups crucial for encouraging uniform zinc nucleation, enhancing the efficient deposition of zinc on the electrode’s surface.
This process notably reduced the formation of undesired twig-like crystals on the zinc surface, ensuring the film’s stability even after enduring 200 days of repeated charging and discharging cycles.
Professor Changshin Jo expressed hope that this research would contribute to advancing ESS technology for sustainable green energy production. The study received funding from the National Research Foundation of Korea and the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning.
Read the original article sciencedaily.
Source: Jooyoung Jang, Jinyoung Chun, Changshin Jo. Biopolymer-blended protective layer for use in stabilizing the zinc anode in metal battery applications. Energy Storage Materials, 2023; 62: 102948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensm.2023.102948
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