Adam Dyker, a researcher with the University of New Brunswick, in collaboration with a Frederiction start-up has created the unthinkable – a paper-based eco-friendly battery. Prof. Dyker’s research on organic sources of battery is what had spurred an interest in KnowCharge – that is engaged in the manufacturing and developing of ecofriendly and lightweight batteries that use conductive paper in place of metal.
Dyker’s research in replacing the metallic component in batteries with something organic in order to produce a rechargeable and highly efficient battery without the environmental problems of metal toxicity is something that KnowCharge would like to incorporate in their creations. Dyker doesn’t exactly use ‘organic’ components, but simply replaces metallic components like cadmium with carbon and nitrogen that are considered more environmentally friendly.
These organic paper batteries nevertheless hold a lot of potential as they can be recharged within a span of minutes and can be used a thousand times over. Batteries are a necessity and every household has them. They are used in a lot of gadgets and hence, the waste generated by redundant batteries is unimaginable. Dyker’s development can be a major breakthrough in the battery market – as a green battery would save the earth from toxic metals and overspilling landmines.
The CEO of KnowCharge, Robert Morrow, expects the battery market to grow by $100 billion in seven years time and the advent of the organic eco-battery would be a potential product. He plans to roll out a commercial prototype within the next 26 months.
Via: Business Journal
