Scientists have found a way to create organic batteries

Lithium-ion batteries use toxic heavy metals that can affect the environment

environment; in addition, they are difficult to dispose of.Cobalt is one of the heavy metals used in battery electrodes. Part of the problem is that lithium and cobalt are rare metals and their supplies are dwindling.

The use of organic materials makesscientists such as Professor Thomas Baumgartner will be involved in the development and testing of new molecules to find a replacement for the rare metals that are currently in use.

“Materials with organic electrodes are considered extremely promising for green batteries with high power,” the researchers said.

Scientists have been able to make new lithium batteries from second-hand

Their latest breakthrough is the creation of a newa carbon-based organic molecule that can replace cobalt used in the cathodes or positive electrodes of lithium-ion batteries. The new material eliminates the disadvantages of the inorganic material, while maintaining operational characteristics.

"Electrodes made from organicmaterials can make large-scale production, processing or disposal of these elements safer, ”said Baumgartner. “Our goal is to create sustainable batteries that are stable and have the same, if not better capacity.”

The study was published and featured on the cover of the March edition of Batteries & Supercaps.