Swedish Innovation: Wood-Based Batteries Eliminating Lithium and Cobalt
Altris, a Swedish company, has developed batteries using carbon from wood pulp, avoiding rare minerals like lithium and cobalt, making them environmentally friendly.
Altris and Stora Enso Partnership
In a groundbreaking partnership, Altris collaborates with Stora Enso to revolutionize battery technology. Stora Enso, one of the world’s largest private forest owners, has been producing Lignode, a sustainable hard carbon material derived from lignin, a by-product of wood pulp manufacturing, since 2021[1]. This partnership aims to further reduce dependence on Chinese imports of rare minerals by using locally-sourced, sustainable materials for battery production[2].
Development and Efficiency
The innovative approach by Altris involves using tree pulp-derived carbon for the anode material of sodium-ion batteries. This method not only eliminates the need for lithium, cobalt, and nickel but also leverages abundant and renewable resources like sodium and iron for the cathode, making the batteries more sustainable[1][2]. Altris showcased a prototype capable of storing 160 watt-hours per kilogram, which is comparable to some lithium-iron-phosphate batteries[1]. Their ultimate goal is to develop a battery that can store 200 watt-hours per kilogram, further enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of energy storage solutions[1].
Environmental and Economic Impact
The environmental benefits of Altris’s wood-based batteries are significant. By avoiding rare minerals, the production process reduces the ecological footprint associated with mining and processing these materials. Additionally, using lignin, a by-product of the pulp industry, ensures that the raw materials are not only renewable but also sourced from existing industrial processes, minimizing waste[1][2]. Economically, this innovation promises to lower production costs and enhance the security of supply chains by relying on locally-sourced materials, thereby reducing dependence on geopolitical hotspots for critical minerals[1].
Future Prospects
While Altris is still in the development phase, the potential of their sodium-ion batteries is immense. The collaboration with Stora Enso is expected to evolve over the coming years, aiming to commercialize what could become the world’s most sustainable battery. This partnership aligns with global efforts to transition to greener technologies and reduce carbon footprints[1][2]. The successful development and scalability of these batteries could mark a significant milestone in the green tech sector, paving the way for more sustainable and eco-friendly energy storage solutions.