Battery from crab shells: a new breakthrough in science
A research team led by Lianbing Hu has developed a battery based on chitosan from crab and shrimp shells. The prototype demonstrates 99.7% efficiency and withstands over 1000 charge cycles without capacity loss. The chitosan gel electrolyte solves the dendrite problem, and the gel itself decomposes in soil within 5 months. Experts, including Linda Nazar, are skeptical about the prospects for commercialization.
A team of scientists led by Lianbing Hu has developed an innovative battery based on chitosan derived from crab and shrimp shells. The development addresses a key problem of zinc batteries—the formation of dendrites that cause short circuits. The chitosan gel electrolyte ensures uniform zinc deposition, eliminating the appearance of spikes. The prototype demonstrates 99.7% efficiency and withstands over 1000 charge cycles without capacity loss. The creators emphasize environmental friendliness: the chitosan gel completely decomposes by soil microorganisms within 5 months, leaving only recyclable zinc. Lianbing Hu notes the economic advantages of zinc, whose reserves exceed those of lithium. However, researcher Linda Nazar expresses skepticism, stating that laboratory indicators do not guarantee the stability required for industrial energy. The team plans to achieve full biodegradability of production processes, but the path to commercialization will require solving serious engineering challenges.