Using bacteria to make electrodes
Scientists in France have produced hematite using a bacterial pathway for use as an electrode material in Li-ion technologies.
Currently, most commercial electrode materials for Li-ion technologies are prepared using the ceramic method, which requires long heating periods at high temperatures (over 400 oC).
The research team, from across France, investigated an alternative preparation method, based on bacterial synthesis. They used a bacterium to produce an iron oxyhydroxide, lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH), which is synthesised within the bacterium membrane. The lepidocrocite-made wall is then transformed into hematite by heating at 700 oC for one hour. This process eliminates the bacteria to leave a hematite powder compose of multiple, hollow, micro-sized, rod-like shells that have retained the shape and characteristics of the bacteria’s periplasms, which the researchers describe as ‘bacteriomorphs.’
Hematite is very good at storing electric charge (1000mA/g), making it a good material for electrodes. The researchers compared the conductivity of the hematite bacteriomorphs with un-textured hematite (crushed to destroy the bacteriomorph structure) and abiotic hematite (synthesised in the standard way, not using bacteria) and found that, after ten charge-discharge cycles at a slow speed, 91% of the initial charge storage capability was retained. This was considerably better than the other hematites, which retained only 18% (abiotic) and 8% (un-textured) of their initial charge storage capability. The researchers hypothesise that the improved performance of the bacteriomorphs is explained by their unique structure, which confers better mechanical stability to the electrode, and better contact with the electrolyte due to their porosity.
Other news from the department science
Get the chemical industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the chemical industry, analytics, lab technology and process engineering brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic world Synthesis
Chemical synthesis is at the heart of modern chemistry and enables the targeted production of molecules with specific properties. By combining starting materials in defined reaction conditions, chemists can create a wide range of compounds, from simple molecules to complex active ingredients.
Topic world Synthesis
Chemical synthesis is at the heart of modern chemistry and enables the targeted production of molecules with specific properties. By combining starting materials in defined reaction conditions, chemists can create a wide range of compounds, from simple molecules to complex active ingredients.
