The Bio-Battery: Investigating an Organically-Based Electrochemical Cell

Overview

For the past 50 years, lithium-ion batteries have dominated portable electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, etc). However, their use comes with many risks. Most lithium-ion batteries utilize lithium cobalt oxide, a known human carcinogen. Further, lithium, cobalt, and nickel production is linked to unethical mining practices, where large corporations exploit disadvantaged workers. Organic electrochemical cells (OEC) can be used to overcome these issues. This research proposes a novel OEC with the use of non-toxic, biodegradable, and biologically derived materials. The Spartan Molecular Modeling software was used to assess the performance and compatibility of materials. Thermodynamics, voltage, solvation energy, molecular structure, and HOMO/LUMO values were evaluated using this software. It was determined that a potassium-ion-based system with a 1,4 benzoquinone (BQ) cathode and a dipotassium terephthalate (K2TP) anode would provide the best results. BQ was found to have a theoretical capacity of 287 m.Ah.g-1 and redox potential of 2.8 V. The low redox potential of K2TP (0.6 V) is optimal for a higher working voltage of the overall battery. To support this system, a cytochrome c current collector, N-Methyl-N-propyl piperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ionic-liquid electrolyte ([PP13][TSFI]), and Peptidoglycan-Polyacrylic Acid (PG-PAA) binder were proposed. This research introduces new biopolymers and biomaterials for use within solid-state electrochemistry. However, to expand the use of OEC into high-demand electronics, more research must be done to perfect the functionality of the battery, particularly for the current collector and cathode.