

Wine and shrimps are an ideal combination, particular in connection with chitin.
These carbohydrates from crustacean shells aren’t just suitable for conserving foods; their potential is vast.
Now, a research team from Maryland University has developed an electrolyte gel with chitosan – a bio-polymer extracted from chitin – for use in zinc batteries.
In tests, their new battery showed an efficiency rating of 99.7% after 1,000 charge cycles at 50mA.
The electrolyte is biodegradable and the zinc in the anode and cathode can be reused. This offers significant potential for recycling and creates a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
A new water-based electrolyte looks just as promising, while this startup is making the recycling of lithium-ion batteries more sustainable.