Eco-friendly, sustainable, and safe energy storage: a nature-inspired materials paradigm shift

Author(s)

Bertaglia, Thiago ; Costa, Carlos M. ; Lanceros-Mendez, Senentxu ; Crespilho, Frank N.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MATERIALS ADVANCES; v. 5, n. 19, p. 15-pg., 2024-08-06.

Abstract

Here, we explore the paradigm shift towards eco-friendly, sustainable, and safe batteries, inspired by nature, to meet the rising demand for clean energy solutions. Current energy storage devices face challenges in performance, cost, and environmental impact. Nature-inspired strategies, drawing from billions of years of evolution, offer innovative solutions. This review focuses on how biomolecule-based electrode materials, green biobatteries, and biodegradable materials can support further developments in battery technology. Biomolecule-based electrodes mimic natural electron shuttles, enhancing capacitor performance. Nature-inspired designs applied to binders and separators allow the modulation of electrochemical performance. Green biobatteries, employing living organisms for energy generation, showcase potential applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare, and agriculture. Challenges include optimizing energy conversion efficiency and addressing scalability. Biodegradable materials, including organic electrolytes and sustainable electrodes, offer an eco-conscious approach to battery technology. The integration of biodegradable materials requires balancing performance metrics while ensuring a circular economy approach. This comprehensive exploration emphasizes the potential of nature-inspired materials in reshaping the landscape of energy storage. This work demonstrates how nature-inspired and derived approaches can significantly impact energy storage. Also, it provides a workflow to accelerate the development of these technologies, helping these batteries move closer to market readiness. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/09164-5 - Understanding the charge transfer mechanisms in biological and biomimetic systems using in-situ and operando techniques: from fundamental science to energy application
• Grantee: Frank Nelson Crespilho
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/08260-3 - Multilayer graphene-based electrodes for application in bioinspired microbatteries
• Grantee: Thiago Bertaglia
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 20/12404-2 - Multi-user equipment approved in grant 2018/22214-6, In situ STM with Electrochemistry
• Grantee: Frank Nelson Crespilho
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 23/13288-4 - Development of Electrochemical Nanodevices
• Grantee: Frank Nelson Crespilho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• FAPESP's process: 20/03681-2 - Organic microbatteries: using bioinspired hydrogels and redox molecules
• Grantee: Thiago Bertaglia
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 18/22214-6 - Towards a convergence of technologies: from sensing and biosensing to information visualization and machine learning for data analysis in clinical diagnosis
• Grantee: Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 23/01529-7 - Bioengineering of bifunctional metalloproteins applied in the production of added value products
• Grantee: Frank Nelson Crespilho
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants