11/02/2022
"Researchers at Bemp Research Corp. have developed a lithium-sulfur battery that is more cost-effective, has a higher performance and is more recyclable than lithium-ion batteries thanks to a helpful material: h**p.
The company uses carbonized h**p rather than heavy metals like cobalt or nickel, making batteries that are lightweight and durable. While many researchers globally have been looking into ways to use graphene for better EV batteries, it is still an expensive material that cannot be scaled up for mass production.
'H**p is a better, lower-cost solution. H**pās durability can help the cathode withstand hundreds of cycles of contraction and expansion,' Son Nguyen, founder of Bemp Research, told EnergyTech. 'H**pās porous structure can help ātrapā the polysulfides from shuttling to the anode.'
The use of h**p also means these batteries could have a smaller impact on the environment. Professors at Northwestern University, who are not involved with Bemp Research, found that cobalt mining in particular has harsh consequences on communities, including increased violence, food and water insecurity and health challenges. The working conditions are often unethical and dangerous for workers. Mining for heavy metals, including cobalt, can also pollute soil, water and air, contaminate food supplies and increase risk of respiratory and reproductive health issues."
Read more on this via our recent newsletter, letstalkh**p.com/newsletter-october-26-2022!ā ā
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