Prof. Wei-Fan Kuan
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung UniversitySpeech Title: From Agricultural Waste to Green Energy: Sustainable Binder Design for Aqueous Processing of Lithium Batteries
Abstract: Advancing the sustainability of lithium metal batteries is crucial for future energy storage; meanwhile, the increasing accumulation of agricultural waste poses environmental challenges, necessitating sustainable waste valorization strategies. This study explores the conversion of agricultural residues into value-added materials for lithium metal battery manufacturing using environmentally friendly processes. In this work, lignin was extracted from passion fruit vines and water bamboo husks. To improve its water solubility, the lignin was subsequently sulfonated using sodium bisulfite to produce water-soluble sodium lignosulfonate. The modified lignin was applied as a bio-based binder for aqueous cathode fabrication, effectively replacing conventional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and eliminating the need for toxic N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy verified the structural characteristics and the successful sulfonation of the lignin. The results demonstrate the potential of the modified lignin to serve as a binder for the preparation of aqueous-based cathodes. By transforming agricultural waste into high-value binders, this study supports the goals of a circular economy and offers a viable pathway for the green transition of lithium metal battery manufacturing processes.