Australian researchers have discovered a new, environmentally friendly method for producing graphite from human hair, with potential applications in energy storage and pharmaceuticals technology.
The team at Charles Sturt University in Australia, led by Dr. Amadeep Singh Panu and Professor Muhammad Siddiqui, developed an innovative process of converting fallen hairs into high-quality graphite. Graphite is a key ingredient in lithium-ion batteries, the demand for which is growing rapidly with the rise of electric vehicles and other technologies.
Traditional graphite production is based on the mining of natural deposits, which has environmental impacts and is dependent on geopolitical factors. The method of Dr. Singh offers a sustainable alternative, harnessing an abundant and renewable resource: human hair.
Advantages of using human hair:
- Sustainability: The bristles are a biodegradable material, unlike traditional graphite that is mined from the ground.
- Availability: The amount of hair produced worldwide is abundant and constantly renewable.
- Clean process: The method of turning hair into graphite is environmentally friendly, with minimal by-products or negative effects.
- High quality: Graphite produced from hair exhibits excellent properties, making it suitable for use in lithium-ion batteries and other applications.
Applications:
- Lithium-ion batteries: Hair graphite can be used as a negative pole in lithium-ion batteries, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and contributing to the development of more environmentally friendly batteries.
- Pharmaceutical technology: Hair graphite also has potential applications in pharmaceutical technology, such as drug delivery or biomedical imaging.
Partnership with Sustainable Salons:
To feed his research, Dr. Singh works with Sustainable Salons, an organization that collects hair from pet salons and grooming services in Australia and New Zealand. Sustainable Salons manages hair waste sustainably, preventing it from being buried in landfills.
