“A very important component in car batteries is the mineral graphite. But the mineral can actually run out. Today, the search for alternatives is intensive. But the hunt could already be over. Have you ever heard about Lignode®?” – Jesper Börjesson.
Lauri Lehtonen, Head of Innovation, Stora Enso Biomaterials, was interviewed by Jesper Börjesson on Reljers Plays to talk about the opportunities presented by trees, and lignin-based hard carbon more specifically, to revolutionise the battery industry. You can watch the full interview here.
Lignode® by Stora Enso is a bio-based hard carbon material made from lignin. Lignin-based carbon can be used in batteries, typically those used in consumer electronics and the automotive industry, and in large-scale stationary storage systems. Stora Enso uses lignin to manufacture Lignode® and aims to create a European supply chain for the lithium-ion battery industry. Lignin is an existing side stream in the production of cellulose fiber; therefore, its production doesn't require any additional harvesting of trees. Stora Enso’s target is to offer the most sustainable and lowest-impact anode material available, to meet the eco-friendly mindset of future consumers.
How does it work in practice? Can you fully replace graphite? How much does it cost to manufacture? How is the performance? When can you start using Lignode® in car batteries at a large scale? All these questions and many more are answered in the interview.