Crab shells are used by researchers to make new, 99.7% efficient biodegradable batteries.
According to a press statement distributed by EurekAlert on Thursday, scientists from the University of Maryland's Center for Materials Innovation have created a novel zinc battery using an electrolyte taken from a crab shell.
Chitosan, a chemically derived form of chitin that is widely distributed in crab shells, is used to make the electrolyte. Chitosan is a biodegradable material, therefore two-thirds of the battery will naturally break down without producing any dangerous byproducts.
The study found that the battery had an energy efficiency of 99.7% after 1000 battery cycles, making it a practical choice for storing wind and solar energy for transmission to power networks.
a sustainable substitute
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are frequently utilized as energy storage devices be...