Soon, Fossilised Algae May Power Electric Vehicles

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.