Electric Vehicles Powered by Crabs & Lobsters?

[Nancy OShea]

A team of scientists at The University of Maryland's Center for Materials Innovation found that crustaceans like crabs and lobsters contain a chemical in their shells called chitin, which when combined with zinc can be used to power batteries.  Crustacean shells are typically thrown out en masse by restaurants & fish packers that have no other use for them. But researchers believe this waste could serve as a powerful resource in the search for more sustainable batteries.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:

Spent lithium-ion batteries take thousands of years to break down and pose many health risks to our planet.  But these shellfish batteries are biodegradable and can decompose in soil after just FIVE months, leaving behind zinc, which can be recycled.

Scientists discover lithium replacement that may revolutionize EV batteries:

[John T Smith]

Sounds like a great idea... have shrimp or lobster for dinner and put the shells in a vat with some zinc and use that to power a lightbulb

[Chuck Uebele]

Interesting. If this catches on, I wonder if the demand for the carapaces will pose an environmental threat, as the demand increases. Crabs that aren't fished for human consumption might start being harvested. 

[Nancy OShea]

Crabs that aren't fished for human consumption might start being harvested. 

By @Chuck Uebele

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Farm-raised shellfish from well-regulated hatcheries & growing beds accounts for 80% of what we consume in the U.S.   If there's a spike in demand & profit potential's good, I foresee big oil giants pivoting offshore oil platform production to include industrial shell farming. 

  Shell Oil won't have to change their name. 🙂

[PaintedKitty]

Fascinating stuff. Thanks for sharing. I just picture someday having a Mr fusion built into the car but for shell fish. But then who knows, in the future maybe more stuff can be added as well, like demonstrated in certain favorite trio of movies. 🤔😉😊