Bangladeshi researchers develop battery materials from plant waste and industrial slag
Researchers at the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) in Bangladesh are developing battery raw materials using local resources like plant waste and industrial byproducts. Professor M. Arafat Rahman of the Mechanical Engineering department and his team are leading this initiative at CUET's Nanomaterials and Energy Storage Systems Laboratory (NESS Lab). The primary goal is to reduce the country's reliance on imported battery components, which incurs significant foreign exchange expenditure and increases overall costs. Their research focuses on creating eco-friendly battery materials from readily available agricultural residues and industrial waste.
A battery comprises four main parts: anode, cathode, separator, and electrolyte. Key anode components like nickel and titanium are typically imported. Professor Rahman's team has successfully synthesized metallic particles using neem and mango leaves, producing battery-grade nickel and titanium-based materials at a significantly lower cost. While one kilogram of titanium costs approximately 69,000 Taka in the market, their lab produced similar materials for about 2,000 Taka using these leaves. Furthermore, jute sticks are being utilized as a source of carbon for the anode, similar to graphite used in lithium-ion batteries.
Industrial waste, specifically steel slag from steel factories, which often causes environmental pollution, is being repurposed for lithium-ion battery cathodes. This dual approach not only reduces environmental pollution but also provides an alternative source for valuable raw materials. CUET's Dean of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Professor Mizanur Rahman, highlighted that this research aligns with the university's goal of creating materials cost-effectively and sustainably. He believes wider implementation could decrease import dependency, lower costs, protect the environment, and support the expansion of renewable energy technologies like solar power.
This research initiative addresses critical national economic and environmental challenges by exploring localized, sustainable sourcing for battery components. By repurposing agricultural waste and industrial byproducts, the project demonstrates a potential pathway to reduce import dependency and mitigate environmental pollution associated with industrial slag. The significant cost reduction achieved in the lab, from 69,000 Taka to 2,000 Taka per kilogram for certain materials, suggests a compelling economic incentive for scaling up. Future success will depend on the technological feasibility of industrial-scale production, the long-term performance and safety of batteries manufactured with these novel materials, and the development of robust supply chains for the raw inputs. This approach aligns with global trends toward circular economy principles and could position Bangladesh to develop indigenous capabilities in energy storage technology.
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