Technology Grows on Trees

By: Jessica Robertson

A newly discovered process can turn trees into energy storage devices, essentially. Cellulose, the most common organic polymer on earth, is the main ingredient in trees. And when cellulose is reacted simply with ammonia, it can be transformed into a form of activated carbon, called a nitrogen-doped nanoporous carbon membrane, that can serve as the electrode of a supercapacitor. 

Besides the simplicity and cost-efficiency of this new approach, the process is also impressive in its earth-friendliness. The only byproduct of the reaction is methane, which, when properly harnessed and not released into the atmosphere, is a safe and advantageous compound, useful for fuel or other industrial purposes. Furthermore, the cheap wood that can be used as the reactant in this approach does not deplete the food supply. The carbon membranes that are produced in this reaction are extremely thin, meaning a small amount of wood creates a large number of the desired supercapacitors, dispelling fears that the process would deplete the forests for the sake of energy.

Supercapacitors are highly efficient energy storage devices, recharging faster than batteries and holding much more energy. They promise better results in industry and electronics, and they could be the solution for evening out the power flow from variable alternative energy systems like solar and wind energies. They increase efficiency in hybrid cars, and prevent energy loss by capturing what would otherwise be wasted. These potential benefits of supercapacitors have been known for some time, but the high cost of such technology prevented any substantial incorporation of their strengths into many industries. This new, low cost process to create supercapacitors has the potential to shift significantly the environmental impact of modern industry.