An interesting research pointed out that lithium based batteries can be made using eco-friendly ingredients. According to this research, purpurin, an extraction from the madder plant, can be used to make batteries. Purpurin is a substance that is extracted from the madder plant’s roots. It is yellowish or reddish in color, and is also used to dye cloth.
Purpurin as an alternative to lithium-ion
At present, batteries are made using LiCoO2 or lithium cobalt oxide. This material needs to be mined from the surface of the earth. Technically, cobalt is mined from the surface of the earth and is then fused with lithium. To get fused, lithium needs to be at a very high temperature. This lithium and cobalt combination results in the formation of a cathode which is efficient in terms of energy and is extremely expensive as well. In contrast to lithium, purpurin is easy available and it is extremely easy to extract as well. Not only is it a natural product but also helps companies save up on their costs.
Rice University’s research on eco friendly promotional items
This research was conducted by a member of the Rice University faculty, Dr. Arava Leela Mohana Reddy. In the research, he stated that to recycle lithium-ion batteries, the recycling centers need to release around 75 kg of CO2 or carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Many other universities agree with the research that Dr. Reddy has conducted. As a matter of fact, the US Army Research Laboratory and the New York City College feel that purpurin is an optimum replacement for lithium-ion based batteries.
Experts feel that purpurin and other natural agents consist of hydroxyl and carbonyl molecule groups. These groups that are present in the molecules help electrons to move around. So if this substance is used in the battery, the electrons will be able to move around easily. According to George John, a chemistry professor at the City College, natural aromatic systems are usually made up of electron rich molecules and these molecules can readily coordinate with lithium.
The purpurin based battery
According to experts, if industries make a little effort, they can easily produce eco friendly promotional items. An example of this is the purpurin based battery. This battery, which would include a purpurin electrode, can be made by a simple process. In the process, purpurin needs to be dissolved in an alcohol based solvent at room temperature. Then, a small amount of lithium salt should be added to this solution. This simple process would result in a ready-to-use purpurin based battery.
Source: http://www.gizmag.com/madder-root-lithium-ion-battery-electrode/25412/
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