A number of students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) are converting salt industry washing waste into raw materials for electric vehicle batteries. This research was conducted by five students Bintang Dwi Nur Rohmad, Rifqi Fajar Maulana, Uray Keisya Ranaputri, Azhar Fakhri Nugraha and Dewi Sakhinah.
Magnesium-ion (Mg-ion) batteries are known to have a higher volumetric capacity and abundant availability of raw materials in nature compared to lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries which are currently dominant on the market. However, a major challenge in the development of Mg-ion batteries is the slower diffusion rate of Mg2+, which may result in reduced battery efficiency.
This research aims to overcome these challenges by optimizing the use of salt washing waste containing magnesium. By using the microwave-solvothermal method, researchers hope to produce cathode materials with superior electrochemical kinetic properties.
“We hope that with this research, we can reduce industrial waste and turn it into something useful, namely raw material for more efficient and sustainable electric vehicle batteries,” said Bintang Dwi Nur Rohmad.
This research not only contributes to the development of battery technology that is more environmentally friendly, but also has the potential to increase student creativity and provide new breakthroughs for society in preserving the ecosystem.
Prof. Akhmad Sabarudin as the supervisor, emphasized the importance of this research facing the challenges of clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
“This research is an important step in developing material science for electric vehicle batteries that are more efficient and environmentally friendly,” he said.
He added that this research is part of a larger effort to promote the use of clean energy and reduce negative impacts on the environment. In this way, society can look forward to technological advances that will not only benefit the electric vehicle industry but also provide long-term benefits for our planet. (*/OKY/UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
