Study’s Amazing Discovery: Chicken Eggshells Can Act as Electrodes to Power Batteries

Researchers at Murdoch University have made a significant stride in the development of rechargeable battery storage systems with the use of an unlikely ingredient: chicken eggshells.

According to TechXplore, Dr. Manickam Minakshi Sundaram, an Associate Professor from the Center for Water, Energy, and Waste at the Harry Butler Institute, successfully devised a novel mechanism related to electrode materials and electrolytes that offers a viable alternative to costly and impractical power storage technologies.

"We've found that chicken eggshells can be used as electrodes-a conductor of electricity-in powering batteries," Minakshi said.

Using Chicken Eggshells for Renewable Energy

According to Minakshi, chicken eggshells, which are abundant in calcium carbonate, can be repurposed as efficient electrodes once baked and crushed, showcasing promising potential in powering batteries.

This discovery addresses concerns surrounding the expense and safety of current lithium-ion batteries used in renewable energy storage.

"The current lithium-ion batteries used for renewable energy storage typically use fossil fuels. Repurposing a bio-waste product like eggshells could add considerable value to the renewable energy market," Minakshi said in a statement.

"They also offer a potentially safer option, as the current lithium battery technologies are high-cost and potentially unsafe in the event of catastrophic failure," he added.

The innovative use of eggshells could not only add value to the renewable energy sector but also offer a potentially safer option. This breakthrough comes at a crucial time as the global shift towards renewable energy intensifies.

Minakshi's study, in partnership with Flinders University, focused on developing sustainable electrodes within aqueous-based energy storage technology. Beyond its scientific implications, this finding has far-reaching environmental benefits.

Eggshells, typically discarded as solid waste, hold untapped potential due to their rich chemical composition. By harnessing this resource, researchers demonstrate the feasibility of efficient energy storage and retrieval.

Moreover, the study suggests that highly conductive aqueous lithium and sodium electrolytes may replace existing non-rechargeable primary batteries, offering high energy capacity, extended cycle life, and cost-effectiveness in aqueous batteries.

Further advancements in this field involve the incorporation of additives like biodegradable redox polymers, titanium boride/sulfide (TiB2, TiS2), or bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) compounds to enhance electrode performance.

Potential Applications

The applications of this breakthrough extend far and wide, potentially revolutionizing waste management practices and promoting sustainable development, according to the team.

This research not only signifies a shift towards circular economies but also highlights the potential for significant environmental gains through reducing, reusing, and recycling waste materials.

Additionally, the study's exploration of sustainable electrode materials from various biowastes, such as chitosan, mango seed husk, and grape marc, further underscores this research's versatility and potential impact.

N-doped carbon derived from these sources exhibits exceptional electrochemical performance, opening up new avenues for sustainable energy solutions.

"The potential applications of this breakthrough are immense. We could transition from a linear economy to a circular economy, reducing, reusing and recycling waste improving both sustainable development and addressing waste management," Minakshi noted.