Researchers Develop More Sustainable Lithium-Ion Batteries with 3D Printing

Researchers from the University of Glasgow have a developed a novel type of 3D printed battery which relies on electrodes made from vegetable starch and carbon nanotubes. The battery could offer a more environmentally friendly and higher capacity source of power for devices such as phones. The team of engineers focussed their energies on developing an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which was both more sustainable as well as capable of storing delivering power more efficiently.

Dr Shanmugam Kumar, lead researcher, commented: “Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly common in everyday life and are likely to continue to increase in ubiquity as we move towards more electrification of transport and a more sustainable world. However, lithium-ion batteries have their own sustainability issues, so it’s important that we look to find new ways to make them better and more environmentally friendly.” As such the team incorporated polylactic acid, a biodegradable material processed from the starch of corn, sugar cane, and sugar beet, thus increasing the battery’s recyclability.

Improperly disposed batteries contribute to water and air pollution. (Photo Credit: John Cameron on Unsplash)

The durability and amount of energy current of traditionally manufactured lithium-ion batteries is limited by the thickness of their electrodes. This is because thicker electrodes restrict the diffusion of lithium ions and decreases their strain tolerance making them more prone to cracking. Once an electrode breaks, the battery can no longer function. As such, the researchers sought to improve the balance between the size and surface area of electrodes. This is where additive manufacturing comes in.