Scientists are developing inexpensive,
energy efficient lithium ions batteries for electric vehicles by using silicon based
anodes made from the fossilized remains of single celled algae called diatoms. The
research at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) could lead to the
development of ultra-high capacity lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles
and portable electronics. The anode of lithium ion batteries is mostly made of
graphite but the mineral’s performance is a limiting factor in making batter
batteries and expanding their applications. Silicon, which can store about 10
times more energy, can be an alternative anode material, but its production is
expensive. To change that, the team turned to a cheap source of silicon –
diatomaceous earth (DE) – and more efficient chemical process. Using a process
called magnesiothermic reduction, the group of scientists converted this
low-cost source of silicon dioxide to pure silicon nano=particles. A significant
finding in our research was the preservation of the diatom cell walls –
structures known as frustules – creating a highly porous anode that allows easy
access for the electrolyte.
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