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The new method will make it possible to significantly reduce environmental damage. This technology is called Lignode.
The Swedish company Altris together with the manufacturer Stora Enso from Finland have created an unusual method of operation of lithium-free batteries. Their basis includes wood cellulose, reports New Atlas.
Specialists paid attention to lignin. It is a by-product of wood pulp production. Scientists have been considering the possible use of such material for various purposes for many years. As a result, it was possible to create an anode material from carbon, which was obtained from wood cellulose.
Raw lignin is processed into a solid carbon powder. It is then converted into electrode sheets to be used in the construction of battery anodes. The technology, called Lignode, was tested at a factory in Finland. The results showed that it provides a higher charging speed.
This method makes it possible to abandon graphite. Thanks to this, the new batteries are called the most environmentally friendly in the world. Trees consist of 20-30% lignin, so it is easy to use for the production of batteries.
Stora Enso is called one of the world's largest owners of private forests. The company said that the wood reserves, together with new technologies, will allow not only to reduce environmental damage, but also to abandon the import of materials from China, which is the leader in the lithium market.
It is not yet known when the new batteries will become mass production. . The company continues to refine the technology before releasing it to the market.