Postdoctoral researcher Vianney Ngoyi Kitenge has found a way to convert fruit waste, like mangosteen peels, into specialized carbon materials for supercapacitor energy storage cells, reducing costs significantly.
Supercapacitors, similar to batteries but with faster energy charge and release capabilities, are used in various devices like smartphone camera flashes, jump starters, fitness trackers, and more.
Electrodes made from activated carbon, derived from biomass waste like mangosteen peels, play a crucial role in supercapacitors, especially in renewable energy applications to balance electricity flow.
While supercapacitors have a smaller market share compared to lithium-ion batteries, they have the potential for growth, especially with innovations like using fruit peels to create activated carbon for energy storage devices.
Mangosteen peels can be transformed into activated carbon through a simplified method developed by Kitenge, making the production process faster, cheaper, and more sustainable by utilizing agricultural waste.
The global demand for supercapacitors is expected to rise significantly, driven by industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, making the use of fruit peels for energy storage a promising eco-friendly solution.
Companies like Haycarb and Takachar are already working on converting food and agricultural waste into activated carbon, highlighting the potential for widespread adoption and commercialization of this innovative approach.
To fully implement the utilization of fruit waste for energy storage, further scientific development, funding, establishment of production facilities, and collaboration between industries are essential steps towards realizing this sustainable technology.
Transforming fruit waste into valuable energy storage components not only helps reduce food waste but also supports renewable energy goals, potentially creating job opportunities and driving clean energy initiatives in various industries.
In conclusion, the innovative use of fruit peels to create activated carbon for supercapacitors presents a promising avenue for eco-friendly energy storage solutions, showcasing the importance of sustainability and innovation in advancing clean energy technologies.