Nanostructured Materials from Biobased Precursors for Renewable Energy Storage Applications
Smrutimedha Parida, Dimple P. Dutta
Abstract
The current global emphasis is on developing technologies that are sustainable and environmentally benign. To develop this technology, efficient use of renewable energy is critically dependent on the advancement of energy storage devices. Due to the intermittent supply of various renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy, it is essential to store this energy efficiently during off-peak hours. There has been a growing emphasis on developing cost-effective electrochemical energy storage systems. The output of an energy storage device is material-dependent and use of biobased precursors for their synthesis enhances the sustainability quotient considerably. This chapter discusses various microorganism-, plant-, animal-, and waste-derived nanomaterials that are applied in energy storage technologies like rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalysts, and proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The various synthesis routes that are effective for obtaining the desired morphology and composition of these nanostructured materials from biobased precursors have further been summarized. Particularly, the application of bioderived carbon materials as electrode material in supercapacitors, lithium or sodium-ion batteries, and electrocatalysts have been reviewed in detail. Further insight into natural or modified organic macromolecules, which have potential applications as electrode binders and separators in electrochemical cells, have been provided. Using biobased precursors and waste materials to produce materials that form an integral part of these energy storage devices helps in supporting green chemistry initiative by reducing the usage of harmful chemicals. An analysis of areas for future research in this field is also covered.