What is a bioinspired polypeptide-based battery?

By merging degradable polypeptide backbones with the energy-storage properties of the redox-active moieties, this bioinspired polypeptide-based battery addresses some of the challenges of conventional lithium-ion batteries (for example, the use of scarce resources, safety concerns and high-cost recycling).

Are all-poly-nature peptide organic radical batteries recyclable?

Recently in , Wooley and collaborators reported an all-poly-Nature peptide organic radical battery, demonstrating the potential of sus-tainable, recyclable metal-free batteries. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) currently dominate the ever-growing market-place of consumer electronics and elec-tric vehicles.

Can a polypeptide-based battery be a sustainable alternative chemistry?

Such a polypeptide-based battery is a first step to addressing the need for alternative chemistries for green and sustainable batteries in a future circular economy.

Are polypeptide batteries recyclable?

First, each polypeptide was assembled into a lithium metal half-cell battery to elucidate its fundamental energy-storage characteristics. Then, we constructed a metal-free, polypeptide-based battery. As a demonstration of recyclability, we conducted hydrolytic degradation under acidic conditions and determined the degradation products.

Can a polypeptide-based battery be degraded on demand?

However, realizing active materials that are stable during operation but degrade into environmentally benign products at the end of life is a challenge. Now, writing in Nature, a team led by Jodie Lutkenhaus and Karen Wooley, demonstrate a polypeptide-based battery that can be degraded on demand.

Can polypeptides power batteries?

“Using polypeptides to power batteries may seem unrealistic; however, proteins are extensively involved in signalling and communication (such as ion and electron transport) in nature,” says Wooley. Thus, polypeptides could be well-placed to serve as electrode materials.