James Clark School of Engineering and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources are using a virus first discovered back in 1898 to help improve the energy capacity of batteries.
The Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) from 1898 has a rigid rod-like structure when viewed under an electron microscope. The research team has now been able to harness and exploit the self-replicating and self-renewing characteristics of the TMV virus to assist in the building of tiny components for more efficient lithium-ion batteries.
Innovative Virus Modification Techniques
Researchers first modified the TMV virus structure rods to bind perpendicularly to the metallic surface of a battery electrode and arrange the rods in intricate and orderly patterns on the electrode, resulting in an increased surface area. This meticulous arrangement is crucial because the increased surface area allows for more active sites for electrochemical reactions, which in turn enhances the battery’s overall performance.
The process of modifying the TMV virus involves genetic engineering techniques to alter the virus’s coat proteins, enabling them to adhere to the electrode material. This modification ensures that the virus can form a stable and uniform layer on the electrode, which is essential for consistent battery performance. Additionally, the virus’s natural ability to self-assemble into specific structures is leveraged to create a highly organized and efficient electrode surface.
Significant Improvements in Energy Capacity
These new batteries can then provide an increased energy capacity of up to 10-fold that of a standard lithium-ion battery. This substantial improvement is achieved by the enhanced surface area and the efficient arrangement of the TMV virus rods, which facilitate better ion transport and storage within the battery. The increased energy capacity means that devices powered by these batteries can operate for much longer periods without needing a recharge, making them highly desirable for applications in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage systems.
Moreover, the TMV virus becomes inert during the manufacturing process, so it cannot spread the virus. This is a critical safety feature, as it ensures that the use of the virus in battery production does not pose any biological risk to humans or the environment. The inactivation of the virus is achieved through a series of chemical treatments and thermal processes that render it non-infectious while preserving its structural integrity for use in the battery.
The potential applications of this technology extend beyond just lithium-ion batteries. Researchers are exploring the use of TMV and similar viruses in other types of energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors and solid-state batteries. The unique properties of these viruses could lead to breakthroughs in energy storage technology, enabling the development of more efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly power sources.
The innovative use of the Tobacco mosaic virus by the James Clark School of Engineering and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources represents a significant advancement in battery technology. By harnessing the unique properties of the TMV virus, researchers have developed a method to greatly enhance the energy capacity of lithium-ion batteries, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions.
Via Gizmag
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