Allotrope Energy develops new battery material for EVS

LONDON: Allotrope Energy has developed a new battery material, made sustainably from a co-product of the paper industry, that forms the basis of a new class of lithium-carbon batteries and super-capacitors that offer increased stability and safety, lower system cost, and ultra-fast recharging.

In a statement, the company said this breakthrough promises to transform energy storage, particularly for automotive applications.

Lignavolt is a nano-porous carbon with a large surface area that replaces traditional materials in the anode and cathode of batteries and electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs).

The result is a new generation of capacitors with twice the energy density of existing products, as well as enabling high-performance lithium-carbon batteries that can be recharged in as little as 60 seconds without degrading their lifespan.

The material is made from lignin, an organic polymer that gives wood and other plant cells their structure.

Suzano SA, one of the world’s largest pulp and paper companies and Allotrope Energy’s principal investor, creates lignin as a co-product of the paper production process.

“The growing demand for transport’s electrification has highlighted the limitations of available battery materials,” said Dr Peter Wilson, Allotrope Energy’s CTO.

“By utilising lignin, a renewable and widely abundant resource, we are not only pushing the boundaries of battery performance but also contributing to the global push for more sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. Removing the need for bulky and complex cooling systems means we can offer next-generation performance in a lower cost and much simpler package.”