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Innovative materials New Batteries to Recycle Themselves

From Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Michael Richter | Übersetzt von KI 2 min Reading Time

A battery that almost dismantles itself at the end of its life sounds like science fiction, but it could soon become reality. A research team at MIT has developed an innovative material that self-organizes.

Materials research: Inspired by Kevlar, implemented with the logic of self-organization.(Image: freely licensed / Pexels)
Materials research: Inspired by Kevlar, implemented with the logic of self-organization.
(Image: freely licensed / Pexels)

These are so-called aramid amphiphiles, a novel class of molecules that combines the stability of classic high-performance fibers with the self-organization of amphiphilic molecules.

But what lies behind this term? "Amphiphilic" means that a molecule has two very different sides. One water-loving (hydrophilic) and one water-repellent (hydrophobic). Such molecules tend to spontaneously arrange themselves in solution. Similar to soaps, which aggregate into micelles or layers. The MIT researchers utilized this property, but not with ordinary molecules, rather with those based on aramids. Aramids are known from extremely durable materials like Kevlar, which is used in bulletproof vests. This special chemical basic structure provides enormous stability and heat resistance.

Amphiphilic molecules

By combining this aramid structure with flexible, conductive polymer chains, the scientists created an amphiphilic molecule that spontaneously assembles into ordered nanoribbons in water. These nanoribbons then form a kind of highly stable yet functional layer that can be used as an electrolyte in batteries. The trick lies in the fact that the material is not only conductive but also acts as a structural adhesive between the battery components.

The real magic unfolds at the end of the lifecycle. When the battery is submerged in a suitable organic solvent, the self-organization collapses. The aramid amphiphiles lose their ordered structure and decompose into individual molecules. The previously stable layer literally dissolves, along with the solid connection between the battery components. Instead of being shredded, heated, or chemically broken down, the battery essentially falls apart on its own.

The researchers speak of a "recycle-first" approach because here recycling is no longer considered a later problem but is integrated into the design from the beginning. The prototype is currently not yet at maximum performance. The ion movement through the nanostructures is slower than in established materials. But the vision is clear: even if this material were used as an additional layer in conventional electrolytes, it could provide the crucial trigger for controlled, environmentally friendly recycling.

A single molecular trick – inspired by Kevlar, implemented with the logic of self-organization – could mitigate the biggest problem of electromobility. Instead of mountains of hard-to-recycle old batteries that tie up valuable raw materials, energy storage systems could be created in the future that dismantle themselves into their components elegantly and almost effortlessly at the end of their life. (mr)

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