Packing peanuts are one of the most annoying waste materials that consumers deal with when buying gadgets, but researchers have found a way to convert them into the next generation batteries for tech devices.
Researchers from the Purdue University came up with a process to make microsheet anodes and carbon-nanoparticle-key components in making a battery-from starch and polysterene-based packing peanuts, respectively.
Vinodkumar Etacheri, a research associate, said that there were too much packing peanuts when they were setting up their laboratory.
Professor Vilas Pol pitched an idea, suggesting a useful way to utilize the packing peanuts so that it does not go to waste, according to Phys.org.
Pol's suggestion led to the team coming up with a potential eco-friendly conversion of the waste. The team discovered that the anodes made from the packaging material charged faster for batteries and had a higher capacity, compared to existing graphite anodes used in commercial batteries.
Pol, Etacheri and chemical engineering student Chulgi Nathan Hong developed the conversion process.
The team is now presenting their findings on the 249th American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition in Denver which ends on Thursday.
Pol said that more money is wasted on transporting the packaging peanuts to recyclers.
"Although packing peanuts are used worldwide as a perfect solution for shipping, they are notoriously difficult to break down, and only about 10 percent are recycled," said Pol.
However, the process is still on its initial development stage. The lab-made batteries were able to be charged for about 300 times before some capacity was lost, according to Engadget. A much higher number is required for devices that will be used every day for a few years.
Once the technology is perfected, smartphones would now be able to charge more quickly and packaging peanuts would just turn into more batteries.