Self-Healing Biopolymer Batteries
Project Overview
University
Year
About
Large-scale renewable energy storage requires affordable, durable batteries, but sodium-sulphur designs can lose capacity as their cathodes expand, crack and release unwanted compounds during repeated use. This project converts coconut shell waste into sulphur-doped carbon and combines it with a biopolymer binder that can repair structural damage as it occurs. Tests showed high storage capacity, with the cathode retaining 90.3% of its initial capacity after 150 cycles. The approach could extend battery life, improve safety and turn agricultural waste into valuable materials for sustainable energy storage.
Team
Alshaima Alshehri
A researcher specializing in clean energy, advanced batteries, and sustainability, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Passionate about developing eco-friendly energy solutions and driving the global transition toward a greener future. Through innovative research and technical expertise, I aim to create impactful advancements in efficient power storage and sustainable industrial applications, Passionate about driving sustainable solutions that contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more innovative environmental and industrial future.
Basem Al Alwan
Dr. Basem Al Alwan is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia. His work focuses on advanced energy materials, solid-state batteries, heterogeneous catalysis, COx-free hydrogen production, and sustainable fuel production. He has published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers in energy, catalysis, and materials engineering, with over 900 citations, and has presented at major conferences including AIChE, the Battery & Energy Storage Conference, the North American Catalysis Society Meeting, and international catalysis and materials conferences in the U.S. and Asia. He has led multiple funded projects in biofuels, hydrogen production, and advanced batteries; and continues to collaborate internationally on catalysis and energy-storage technologies. Over his career, he has mentored undergraduate and graduate researchers, many of whom have contributed to publications and conference presentations.