In a world obsessed with Lithium, someone had the audacity to look at the forests. The Singaporean startup Flint has created a battery that uses plant cellulose (the main component of wood and paper), and that could make lithium battery technology obsolete.
It is not a simple laboratory experiment or a random promise: with a energy density of 226 Wh/kg (higher than current lithium batteries), a production cost of $50 per kWh (less than half of lithium) and the absence of fire risks, the “paper” battery is ready for mass production within the year.
A necessary innovation for the energy transition
We have said it a thousand times, the transition towards renewable energy sources has a fundamental problem: the energy storage. Batteries are the crucial component that allows us to store electricity produced by the sun and wind for use when needed.
However, the current dominant lithium-based technology has several drawbacks. The extraction of rare earths necessary for these batteries causes serious environmental damage, not to mention the geopolitical concerns related to the concentration of these materials in a few countries. Furthermore, the Risk of fire and explosion of lithium batteries remains a significant problem.
It is therefore striking how the solution to these complex problems can come from such a common and ancient material as paper. Vegetable cellulose, a structural element of plants, becomes in the hands of Flint the basis for a new energy paradigm.
Paper Battery, or: Common Materials for Extraordinary Performance
What makes this battery truly revolutionary is the combination of simplicity of materials and exceptional performance. Instead of lithium and cobalt, rare and problematic elements, Flint uses zinc e manganese, abundant and above all easily recyclable minerals.
“Our supply chain is very abundant and we don't need rare earths or toxic materials,” he said. Charles Charles, CEO of the company.
The numbers of the “paper” battery speak for themselves, and are worth repeating: $50 per kilowatt hour versus $115 for lithium batteries. A 56% reduction in costs which could dramatically accelerate the adoption of energy storage technologies, making both electric vehicles and home renewable energy storage systems more affordable.
Safety and flexibility without compromise
I have already mentioned intrinsic safety. Lithium batteries are infamous for accidents related to fires and explosions, especially in cars. Now, if it is true (and it is true) that electric cars catch fire more rarely than the endothermic one, it is also true that electric car fires are virtually unquenchable, damn.
The battery of Flint, using a water-based electrolyte, virtually eliminates this risk.
The malleability of cellulose offers another significant advantage: the ability to create batteries in unconventional shapes. This could revolutionize the design of electric vehicles, allowing batteries to be integrated into previously unused spaces and improving overall efficiency.
I am particularly excited by the potential of this technology in the automotive sector, where space is at a premium and any gains in efficiency can translate into greater range.
Paper battery, a completely sustainable cycle
A few more words on recyclability. Lithium batteries represent a significant challenge for disposal, with toxic components that are difficult to separate and recover. On the contrary, the materials used in this new technology can be easily recovered and reused, creating a virtuous cycle that drastically reduces the environmental impact.
The paper battery, as mentioned, will begin production this year, potentially marking the beginning of a new era for energy storage. If the promises come to fruition, we could finally have an energy storage solution that is truly environmentally sustainable, cost-effective, and technically superior to current alternatives.
At least on paper. Right?
