VegNews Daily

Researchers Developing Batteries Powered by Plants

A group of scientists are working on an eco-friendly version of the ubiquitous lithium-ion battery.

Every year, 180,000 tons of batteries end up in American landfills. A team of scientists from Rice University and the US Army Research Laboratory, however, is working to replace those with eco-friendly batteries made from plants. The team began looking at lithium-ion batteries—which power devices such as cell phones and laptops—in the hopes to find a cheaper, more eco-friendly alternative. They used rubia, a type of root that is also used to create red dye, and combined it with carbon to bind the lithium ions that charge batteries. The team aims to have a working prototype of the green battery in a few years. This literal green-power Renaissance is also alive and well at Vanderbilt University, where researchers are developing a solar cell powered by spinach.

 Comments

NPR Program Features Hampton Creek’s Beyond Eggs

The health and environmental benefits of plant-based alternatives such as Beyond Eggs are discussed on All Things Considered.
Read More »

Washington Post’s Advice for Parents with Veg Kids

The newspaper weighs in on the growing number of vegetarians, and offers tips for parents whose children decide to go veg.
Read More »

Gluten-Free, Vegan Brewery to Open in Portland

Moonshrimp Brewing takes to Kickstarter to raise money for a gluten- and cruelty-free brewery in the Oregon metropolis.
Read More »

Health Guru to Do Veg Cleanse With Wedding Guests

Rainbeau Mars, who is best known for her yoga DVDs, has invited her bridal guests to participate in a 21-day plant-based cleanse with her and her husband.
Read More »

Third Annual VegFest Houston Taking Place Today

Space City residents can enjoy vegan food demonstrations, yoga sessions, compassionate guest speakers, and much more at the 2013 VegFest Houston.
Read More »

This Week on VegNews TV: The secret to these delightful sweet treats is white beans! Aylin Erman shows you how to make these simple blondies.

More Videos »