Lavender oil, known for its calming scent, could also play a role in solving energy storage problems.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces have developed a new material using linalool, the main component of lavender oil, and sulfur.
This breakthrough could make sodium-sulfur batteries last longer and store more energy.
These batteries are a promising solution for storing renewable energy like wind and solar power.
One of the biggest challenges in the transition to clean energy is finding effective ways to store electricity when it isn’t immediately needed.
Large batteries are one solution, and sodium-sulfur batteries have some key advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Sodium and sulfur are abundant and environmentally friendly compared to lithium and cobalt, which are not only limited in supply but also cause significant environmental and social issues during mining.
However, sodium-sulfur batteries haven’t reached their full potential yet. They can’t store as much energy for their weight as lithium-ion batteries, and they tend to wear out quickly after repeated use.
The main problem is called “sulfur shuttling.” During charging and discharging, tiny particles called polysulfides form at the battery’s cathode (positive side) and migrate to the anode (negative side).
This reaction gradually damages the battery and reduces its capacity.
The Max Planck researchers, led by Paolo Giusto and Evgeny Senokos, have found a solution by using linalool and sulfur to create a nanostructured material.
This material traps the troublesome polysulfides in tiny carbon cages while allowing sodium ions to move freely in and out. The result?
A battery that retains over 80% of its original capacity after 1,500 charge and discharge cycles—a significant improvement.
The carbon cages also boost the battery’s storage capacity by making nearly all the sulfur available for the chemical reactions. The new cathode material delivers an impressive 600 mAh/g, much higher than current sodium-sulfur batteries.
“Designing future batteries with something that grows in our gardens is fascinating,” said Giusto. “This innovation shows how creative ideas from nature can solve challenges in energy storage.”
The team believes this technology could soon move from the lab to practical use, helping to advance clean energy solutions and reduce reliance on less sustainable battery materials.
With lavender oil at its core, this new approach combines nature’s creativity with cutting-edge science for a more sustainable future.
Source: Max Planck Society.
