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Aqueous All-PolymerBatteries Based on Cellulose-BasedElectrodes
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Scientists have created a new type of battery made from cellulose (a natural material found in plants) instead of the synthetic plastics used in most polymer batteries today. This matters because when regular batteries break down, they can shed tiny plastic particles—microplastics—that pollute the environment and may end up in our bodies; this cellulose-based battery works well (holding a charge through 300 charge cycles) while being biodegradable, offering a potentially safer alternative for small electronics as our society tries to reduce plastic waste.
Using redox-active polymers as electroactive materials enables the development of all-polymer batteries that eliminate the need for toxic or scarce metals. However, current polymer batteries typically rely on synthetic, nonbiodegradable polymers, and the “end-of-life” disposal of these batteries leads to micro- and nanoplastic pollution. This study introduces a sustainable, cellulose-based aqueous all-polymer battery featuring a TEMPO-grafted cellulose cathode (P1) and an anthraquinone-modified cellulose anode (P2), both synthesized through simple chemical modifications. Using a brine electrolyte, the cell delivers a working voltage of 1.3 V and an initial discharge capacity of approximately 90 mAh/g based on P1, retaining over 70% of its capacity after 300 cycles, with a Coulombic efficiency exceeding 99%. By replacing nonbiodegradable carbon–carbon backbones with biomass materials, this research demonstrates a potential environmentally friendly rechargeable battery for low-energy, fast-turnover consumer electronics.
More Papers Like This
Aqueous All-Polymer Batteries Based on Cellulose-Based Electrodes
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists have developed a new type of battery made from cellulose (plant fiber) instead of the plastic and metal parts found in most batteries today. This matters because when regular batteries break down, they can shed microplastics into the environment, which are increasingly linked to health concerns as they accumulate in our water, food, and even our bodies. This early-stage battery isn't as powerful as commercial ones, but it points toward a future where everyday electronics could be less toxic and better for both the planet and human health.
Eco-Friendly MOF-199/Phytagel Composite Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Supercapacitors
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Scientists created a new type of gel-like material—made from a natural plant-based ingredient instead of harsh chemicals—that could replace the flammable liquid electrolytes currently used in batteries and supercapacitors. This matters because safer, eco-friendly energy storage reduces risks like leaks or fires in everyday devices, and using plant-based materials instead of synthetic ones may also mean less chemical waste in the environment. While this research is still in early lab-testing stages, it points toward greener battery technology for the future.
Preparation and Analysis of a Biodegradable Polymer Composition Based on Thermoplastic Starch Reinforced with Stearic Acid-modified Microcrystalline Cellulose
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Scientists created a new type of plant-based plastic by combining starch with specially treated wood fiber, making it stronger and more water-resistant while keeping its ability to fully break down in the environment. This matters because it could help replace conventional plastics in food packaging, potentially reducing the plastic waste and microplastic pollution that ends up in our water, food, and bodies.
Green polymer electrolyte and activated charcoal-based supercapacitor for energy harvesting application: Electrochemical characteristics
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Researchers developed a green polymer battery component using chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol as alternatives to conventional plastic materials, motivated by concerns about microplastic pollution from electronic waste. While primarily an engineering study, the work directly addresses how plastic components in electronics contribute to the growing microplastic problem in oceans. Developing biodegradable alternatives for electronic components could help reduce the flow of microplastics from discarded devices into the environment.
Enhancing PolyelectrolyteStrength of Biopolymersfor Fully Recyclable and Biodegradable Plastics
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Researchers developed a fully recyclable and biodegradable plastic material created through solid polyelectrolyte complexation of naturally occurring biopolymers, enhancing their polyelectrolyte strength to achieve mechanical properties competitive with conventional single-use packaging plastics. The study demonstrated that this approach addresses both the microplastic pollution problem and fossil fuel dependence while enabling end-of-life recyclability.
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