Is the Purpurin Extract from the Madder Plant a Viable Alternative to the Cobalt Used in Lithium-ion Batteries?
Is the Purpurin Extract from the Madder Plant a Viable Alternative to the Cobalt Used in Lithium-ion Batteries?
In our modern world today, mankind’s surge in technological advances has made batteries a ubiquitous necessity in our daily lifestyles. The most popular form of battery is the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery (Brain), which is used an array of devices ranging from laptops and cellphones (Brain) to electric cars (Puiu). However, there is a need at the moment to develop a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery. This is because the cathode of a lithium-ion battery is formed from lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) (Quick), which poses a series of economical and environmental problems. Such issues are caused by the materials used in the conventional lithium-ion battery, which are inorganic, harmful to the environment, and very costly to mine, manufacture and recycle (Williams). However, researchers at the Rice University and City College of New York have recently discovered a solution: using purpurin from the roots of the madder plant (Rubia tinctorum) as an alternative cathode (Puiu). This plant has been used by humans for more than 3500 years, where ancient civilizations in Asia and the Middle East boiled the roots to use to dye fabrics a bright orange, red or pink color (Phys Org).
In a lithium-ion battery, a redox reaction is when the anode chemically reacts electrolytes, resulting in a loss of electrons (oxidation) (Physics Central). These electrons travel to the cathode, resulting in the gaining electrons (reduction). This redox reaction is the battery’s process of charge/discharge – losing electrons in oxidation is charge, gaining electrons in reduction is discharge.
To produce the battery, the team of researchers created a purpurin cathode by extracting purpurin from the madder plant and dissolving it in alcohol solvent and lithium salt (Quick). They added 20% carbon as well to add conductivity (Quick). The purpurin contains
In our modern world today, mankind’s surge in technological advances has made batteries a ubiquitous necessity in our daily lifestyles. The most popular form of battery is the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery (Brain), which is used an array of devices ranging from laptops and cellphones (Brain) to electric cars (Puiu). However, there is a need at the moment to develop a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery. This is because the cathode of a lithium-ion battery is formed from lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) (Quick), which poses a series of economical and environmental problems. Such issues are caused by the materials used in the conventional lithium-ion battery, which are inorganic, harmful to the environment, and very costly to mine, manufacture and recycle (Williams). However, researchers at the Rice University and City College of New York have recently discovered a solution: using purpurin from the roots of the madder plant (Rubia tinctorum) as an alternative cathode (Puiu). This plant has been used by humans for more than 3500 years, where ancient civilizations in Asia and the Middle East boiled the roots to use to dye fabrics a bright orange, red or pink color (Phys Org).
In a lithium-ion battery, a redox reaction is when the anode chemically reacts electrolytes, resulting in a loss of electrons (oxidation) (Physics Central). These electrons travel to the cathode, resulting in the gaining electrons (reduction). This redox reaction is the battery’s process of charge/discharge – losing electrons in oxidation is charge, gaining electrons in reduction is discharge.
To produce the battery, the team of researchers created a purpurin cathode by extracting purpurin from the madder plant and dissolving it in alcohol solvent and lithium salt (Quick). They added 20% carbon as well to add conductivity (Quick). The purpurin contains