The Integration of Biopolymer-Based Materials for Energy Storage Applications: A Review

Abstract

Biopolymers are an emerging class of novel materials with diverse applications and properties such as superior sustainability and tunability. Here, applications of biopolymers are described in the context of energy storage devices, namely lithium-based batteries, zinc-based batteries, and capacitors. Current demand for energy storage technologies calls for improved energy density, preserved performance overtime, and more sustainable end-of-life behavior. Lithium-based and zinc-based batteries often face anode corrosion from processes such as dendrite formation. Capacitors typically struggle with achieving functional energy density caused by an inability to efficiently charge and discharge. Both classes of energy storage need to be packaged with sustainable materials due to their potential leakages of toxic metals. In this review paper, recent progress in energy applications is described for biocompatible polymers such as silk, keratin, collagen, chitosan, cellulose, and agarose. Fabrication techniques are described for various components of the battery/capacitors including the electrode, electrolyte, and separators with biopolymers. Of these methods, incorporating the porosity found within various biopolymers is commonly used to maximize ion transport in the electrolyte and prevent dendrite formations in lithium-based, zinc-based batteries, and capacitors. Overall, integrating biopolymers in energy storage solutions poses a promising alternative that can theoretically match traditional energy sources while eliminating harmful consequences to the environment.

Current significance and future perspective of 3D-printed bio-based polymers for applications in energy conversion and storage system

“…The use of bio-based polymeric materials as binding agents allows a higher amount of loaded active material in the composite when compared to commonly used rheological modifiers or binding agents such as CNT, graphene, or poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). Excellent printability despite the presence of inorganic material is made possible by the dispersion ability and rheological properties of bio-based polymers [ 104 , 105 ]. All these merits provided by the bio-based polymers are at lower cost than other materials, thus elevating the sustainability value of the overall manufacturing process [ 106 ].…”

Dual Ionic Liquid-Functionalized Cellulosic Materials: Thermal, Conductive, and Morphological Properties

“…This concern in conservation has led to an explosion in research encompassing sustainable polymers which exhibit similar thermal and/or mechanical properties to traditional, petroleum-based materials. Polymers like cellulose, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, can offer strong mechanical properties while demonstrating sustainability, and can be utilized in the preparation of a variety of biobased monomers and functionalized biomaterials. − Cellulose is composed of glucose repeat units and is characterized by its semicrystalline fiber morphologies and high functionality . Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a commonly used commercial derivative of cellulose, is a nanostructured material produced from an acidic hydrolysis process, which removes amorphous regions within the cellulose structure .…”

“…Regardless of the degree of crystallinity, cellulose can be chemically altered to adopt more favorable morphologies due to the biopolymer’s multiple hydroxyl groups on each glucose unit. For example, cellulose can be acetylated, which can alter the extent of chain stiffness, cross-linking, and intermolecular interactions between the polymer chains. , Chemically modifying cellulose has led to several new applications in polymer and biomedical research as many of the resulting materials have been used in drug delivery and tissue engineering, as well as serving as optical films, and energy storage. ,,,, …”

“…1,2 Chemically modifying cellulose has led to several new applications in polymer and biomedical research as many of the resulting materials have been used in drug delivery and tissue engineering, as well as serving as optical films, and energy storage. 2,5,6,8,9 A relatively recent method for modifying cellulose is utilizing the "click" azide−alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition strategy. The hydroxyl groups on cellulose (in particular the primary alcohol) can be converted to azides or alkyne-containing groups and then undergo cyclization to yield a substituted 1,2,3-triazole ring, typically under copper-catalyzed conditions.…”

Improved electrochemical performance of bio-derived plasticized starch/ reduced graphene oxide/ molybdenum disulfide ternary nanocomposite for flexible energy storage applications

“…To conserve natural integrity, the constituent materials of energy storage devices must be biocompatible and biodegradable. Various materials, including 2D materials [3], nanotubes [4], metal oxides [5], transition metals [6], and polymers [7], have been effectively employed for storing energy due to their diverse microstructural properties. Apart from nature conservation, however, many of these materials are expensive and require complex manufacturing processes.…”