How Does Corn Impact A Lithium-Sulfur Battery?
The team showed that a corn protein combined with used plastic improved the performance of a button-sized lithium-sulfur battery. This resulted in the battery holding its charge over 500 cycles, a significant improvement over batteries without this protective corn barrier.
The corn protein helped create a cover for a separator which prevented the formation of damaging dendrites and slowed the degradation of the battery’s components. By using waste plastic as part of the mix, the solution also tackles another environmental issue: plastic pollution.
How Does Corn Impact A Lithium-Sulfur Battery?
The team showed that a corn protein combined with used plastic improved the performance of a button-sized lithium-sulfur battery. This resulted in the battery holding its charge over 500 cycles, a significant improvement over batteries without this protective corn barrier.
The corn protein helped create a cover for a separator which prevented the formation of damaging dendrites and slowed the degradation of the battery’s components. By using waste plastic as part of the mix, the solution also tackles another environmental issue: plastic pollution.
“Corn protein would make for a good battery material because it’s abundant, natural, and sustainable,” said Jin Liu, professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and a corresponding author on the paper.
Lithium-sulfur batteries have been considered as a possible alternative to lithium-ion batteries. They offer a higher theoretical energy density, are lighter, and use more abundant, less toxic materials—such as sulfur instead of cobalt or nickel.
However, lithium-sulfur batteries have struggled with limited cycle life and stability. Innovations like the corn protein barrier may be the key to unlocking their potential for commercial use, particularly in electric vehicles, where longer-lasting and more sustainable batteries are in high demand.
Recycle Your EV Batteries With Our Team
At LithiumCo, we’re committed to supporting the transition to a cleaner, greener future by making battery recycling accessible and efficient for businesses across the UK. Whether you’re managing a fleet of electric vehicles or handling industrial battery waste, our team can safely collect, transport, and recycle lithium-based batteries.
While exciting research like the corn protein discovery paves the way for better battery technologies, recycling remains a crucial step in the life cycle of every EV battery. Proper recycling reduces environmental impact, conserves critical materials, and helps ensure sustainable growth in the EV industry.
Contact LithiumCo today to learn how we can help your business responsibly manage its battery waste and be part of the circular economy.