Renewable Battery Anodes from Tree-Derived Lignin

Date:4 January 2023

Country: Finland

Application

• Electric Vehicle Batteries: Lignin-derived carbon anodes are being developed for use in electric vehicle batteries, offering fast charging times and sustainable material sourcing.
• Energy Storage Solutions: Lignin-based anodes can be utilized in batteries for broader energy storage applications, contributing to the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.

Description

Stora Enso, a Finnish company, is developing sustainable electric vehicle batteries using lignin, a polymer extracted from paper pulp waste. They convert lignin into carbon materials for battery anodes, aiming for fast-charging batteries that can charge in as little as eight minutes. This process utilizes waste from the paper industry, making it environmentally friendly and reducing the need for additional trees. The project is part of a broader effort to replace traditional graphite anodes with more sustainable alternatives.

Pathway Description:

Stora Enso extracts lignin from waste pulp produced in paper mills. The lignin is then processed to form a carbon material, which is used to create battery anodes. This involves heating the lignin at lower temperatures than those required for synthetic graphite production, which creates an amorphous carbon structure that facilitates ion mobility. The resulting lignin-based anode material is designed for use in high-performance batteries, such as those for electric vehicles, with faster charging capabi

lities.