Exploring the potential of Aloe-vera extract as a non-hazardous electrolytic solution for batteries

Abstract

Electrical energy plays a major role in our daily life and its consumption is also unlimited. There are various ways to store the electricity generated, most common of which is the use of acid batteries and portable dry batteries. The disposal of these batteries creates environmental hazard and are toxic to humans handling them as well. The aim of this research is to develop a non-hazardous, environment friendly battery using a non-conventional, botanical source: Aloe-vera plant. Aloe-vera leaves are known to contain acid, which has the potential to generate electric current. Thus, the potency of Aloe-vera extract was studied as an electrolytic solution to generate electricity through metal electrodes (Copper and Zinc), similar to a conventional acid battery. The pulp from Aloe-vera leaves was extracted in two different states; one with the outer cover intact and another was pure pulp from the inner layer. It was observed that though the initial voltage for both the states of Aloe-vera extract was same at 0.17 V, the voltage generated after 30 minutes of charging by pure pulp extract was approx. double than that of the extract with outer cover intact. In another iteration, both the types of Aloe-vera extract were mixed individually with concentrated sulphuric acid and distilled water and the output voltage was compared. It was noted that in all the iterations, the pure Aloe-vera pulp proved to be more efficient, while the addition of sulphuric acid gave highest voltage, ~ 33% more than pure pulp electrolyte. The future of this work is to develop a higher capacity battery and to scale down the present set-up.