The new carbon-based material for sodium-ion batteries can be extracted from apples.
Image: KIT

The saying goes: an apple a day keeps the doctor away; but in this case, an apple may be the answer to the next generation of energy storage technology.

ECS member Stefano Passerini of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is leading a study to extract carbon-based materials for sodium-ion batteries from organic apple waste.

Developing batteries from waste

This new development could help reduce the costs of future energy storage systems by applying a cheap material with excellent electrochemical properties to the already promising field of sodium-ion batteries.

(MORE: Read more research by Passerini.)

Many researchers are currently looking to sodium-ion batteries as the next generation of energy storage, with the ability to outpace the conventional lithium-ion battery.

The future of sodium-ion batteries

Interest in sodium-ion batteries dates back to the 1980s, but discoveries haven’t taken off until recently. Researchers are now finding way to combat low energy densities and short life cycles through using novel materials such as apples.

(MORE: Read the full paper in ChemElectroChem.)

Sodium-ion batteries could prove to be the next big thing in large scale energy storage due to the high abundance of materials used in development and the relatively low costs involved.

(more…)

Chris Johnson, group leader at Argonne National Laboratory and ECS Battery Division vice-chair, we would like to let you know about The 2^nd International Conference on Sodium Batteries, which will take place at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Hotel in Chandler, AZ the week before (Oct. 7 – 9) the ECS meeting this October.

This from Dr. Johnson:

The location and timing for this specialized sodium-only conference was set up to dovetail with the ECS meeting and promote one travel event (particularly for overseas travelers). The conference was established to function as a technical and collaborative forum to bring together technical, policy, and government experts in battery science and engineering, particularly those who specialize in sodium batteries as a next-generation energy storage technology for “Beyond Li-ion” battery chemistries.

The conference’s goal is to communicate a current understanding and benchmark state-of-art science in the field. Research and progress in sodium batteries technology will be discussed by this international community. We expect 100 attendees, who both specialize in pushing this technology forward, but also who want to learn more about emergent technology. Approximately 20 internationally recognized invited speakers will give 30-minute presentations. A poster session will also be held.

The cost to attend is $300 and includes two receptions, and two sit-down/served luncheons. To learn more or register for the conference, please visit the conference homepage.

And don’t forget to check out the ECS Battery Division’s sodium-battery-specific talks scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Phoenix!