Scientists at Washington State University have found a new use for corn protein. They’re using it to improve lithium-sulfur batteries. These batteries can store more energy than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The corn protein acts as a separator that extends battery life to over 500 cycles. It’s an eco-friendly alternative that doesn’t need cobalt or nickel. This discovery could change how we power our devices in the future.
While batteries have long relied on expensive metals and synthetic materials, researchers at Washington State University have discovered a surprising new ingredient: corn protein. This common agricultural product is now being used to create functional separators in lithium-sulfur batteries, showing remarkable improvements in performance and sustainability.
The research team combined corn protein with a commonly used plastic to form a protective barrier in these batteries. This simple innovation addresses major technical challenges that have limited lithium-sulfur batteries in the past. The barrier prevents sulfur from leaking and stops the formation of lithium dendrites that can cause short circuits.
Tests on small, button-sized batteries showed the corn protein separator allows batteries to hold a charge for over 500 cycles. This represents a huge enhancement over traditional lithium-sulfur batteries. The separator greatly reduces the “shuttle effect,” a common failure mode in these battery types. The research was led by professors Katie Zhong and Jin Liu who demonstrated a simple and efficient approach to developing these functional separators.
Revolutionary protein separator extends battery life to 500 cycles, solving the shuttle effect that plagued earlier lithium-sulfur designs.
Lithium-sulfur batteries with corn protein barriers offer numerous environmental advantages. Unlike conventional batteries, they don’t require cobalt or nickel, which are expensive and environmentally problematic. Sulfur is non-toxic, cheap, and widely available, while corn is renewable and abundant. This approach aligns with the minimal land use advantages seen in other renewable technologies like geothermal energy.
The technology could transform electric vehicles by creating lighter batteries with extended range. Grid-level renewable energy storage would also benefit from improved rechargeability and longevity. The higher energy density could lead to smaller battery footprints in various applications.
What makes this breakthrough particularly promising is its scalability. Corn protein’s abundance and low cost make it suitable for industrial battery manufacturing. The technology could potentially be integrated into current production lines, reducing costs and improving supply chain security.
This corn protein barrier represents a novel bio-derived component in battery design and was featured in the Journal of Power Sources. Graduate students from WSU’s School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering contributed significantly to this groundbreaking research. As research continues, we may see even more agricultural resources finding their way into advanced technology applications, creating greener, more sustainable energy solutions.
