From Waste Sulfur to Better Batteries

A new chemical process can transform waste sulfur into a lightweight plastic, implying new improvements in batteries for electric cars, optics, and more. A University of Arizona-led team has successfully used the new plastic to make lithium-sulfur batteries.

The team has developed a new, simple and useful chemical process to convert sulfur into plastic. The discovery could provide a new use for the sulfur left over when oil and natural gas are refined into cleaner-burning fuels-- although there are some industrial uses for sulfur, the amount generated from refining fossil fuels far outstrips the current need for the element.

About one-half pound of sulfur is left over for every 19 gallons of gasoline produced from fossil fuels, which piles up quickly. However, the team has discovered a way to turn that sulfur into plastic for batteries and more. Batteries made out of the material have found to be more efficient, lighter and cheaper than those currently used. The batteries will likely be created for electric and hybrid cars and for military uses-- and, even better, the new plastic has great promise as something that can be produced easily and inexpensively on an industrial scale.

Additionally, the new plastic has electrochemical properties superior to those of the elemental sulfur now used in Lithium Sulfur batteries, the researchers report. The best news of all? These batteries could eventually make their way from the lab to the engine of your car. Though the study has only just been published, several companies have expressed interest in the new plastic and the new battery.

Call us today! 1-800-865-9137