Date:September 29, 2015
Country: United States
Mushroom
Biomaterials
Batteries for electric vehicles
Application
Description Researchers have created a new type of lithium-ion battery anode using portobello mushrooms, which are inexpensive, environmentally friendly and easy to produce. The current industry standard for rechargeable lithium-ion battery anodes is synthetic graphite, which comes with a high cost with the anticipated increase in batteries needed for electric vehicles and electronics, a cheaper and sustainable source to replace graphite is needed. the high potassium salt concentration in mushrooms allows for increased electrolyte-active material over time by activating more pores, gradually increasing its capacity.
Pathway Description: The high potassium salt concentration in mushrooms allows for increased electrolyte-active material over time by activating more pores during the carbonization process, gradually increasing its capacity. Carbonization involves heating the mushroom material in an oxygen-free environment to produce a porous carbon structure suitable for energy storage. A conventional anode allows lithium to fully access most of the material during the first few cycles, leading to capacity fade due to electrode damage. The mushroom carbon anode technology, enhanced through carbonization, could, with optimization, replace graphite anodes.
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Tags: Portobello Mushroom BatteriesPortobello Mushroom CarbonizationCarbonization of mushroom
Biomaterials
Batteries for electric vehicles
Types of Feedstock
Primary agricultural residue
Name
Portobello mushrooms
Form
Solid form
Commercials
Readily available from agricultural and commercial mushroom production
Logistics
Easily transportable in raw form
Characteristics
High porosity
Thermal
Carbonization
Educational Institution
University of California,Riverside Bourns College