The battery was developed by technologists based at the University of Toronto. The scientists had the aim of creating a reliable power source that was low cost and environmentally friendly. To achieve this, they looked towards nature for some inspiration. This inspiration took the form of vitamins.
This has led to the battery’s cathode being fashioned from vitamin-created plastic. Batteries have three parts: an anode (which is negative), a cathode (which is positive) and the electrolyte. The cathode and anode are connected via an electrical circuit. The chemical reactions in the battery lead to a buildup of electrons at the anode. This causes an electrical difference between the anode and the cathode and the flow of electrodes creates the electricity.
With the cathode, this has been rendered from a plastic that contains flavin. Flavin is the active part of the vitamin B2 molecule. The vitamin functions as a coenzyme, meaning that it is required for enzymes (proteins) to perform normal physiological actions. B2 is found in such foods as milk, cheese, eggs, leaf vegetables, legumes and mushrooms.
To create the component, The Star reports, the researchers used natural vitamin B2 and modified it into a plastic form. This caused the flavin molecules to come together in a long-chain formation. The resultant product has a voltage of 2.5, which is useful for most home electronics applications.
NAIT_EDDT Staff (@NAIT_EDDT) “@UofT researchers create vitamin battery using Flavin from vitamin B2 to store electricity. Amazing #idea #concept!”
The use of flavin will have a lower environmental impact in relation to battery disposal. Most conventional batteries, like the types in smartphones or laptops, are made using heavy metals like cobalt and nickel. Another innovative feature is the plastic is bendable, making it suitable for wearable electronics.
The research is published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, with the paper titled “Bio-Derived Polymers for Sustainable Lithium-Ion Batteries.”
