In a groundbreaking discovery, a researcher at Charles Sturt University has found a novel method to repurpose discarded human hair into graphite, offering promising applications in energy storage and drug delivery technology.
Dr. Amandeep Singh Pannu, a Research Fellow at the Charles Sturt University Rural Health and Research Institute, collaborated with Professor Muhammad J A Shiddiky to unlock the potential of human hair as a sustainable solution for energy storage. Their innovative approach involves converting human hair into graphite, a material vital for the production of lithium-ion batteries, which power various technologies including electric vehicles.
The research, conducted in partnership with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and supported by Sustainable Salons, an organization dedicated to diverting salon waste from landfills, aims to address the increasing demand for renewable energy sources and the need for sustainable energy storage solutions.
Dr. Singh emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy storage materials to facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources. He highlighted the limitations associated with graphite production, including supply chain issues and environmental concerns arising from conventional manufacturing methods.
“Graphite production is currently concentrated in a few countries, leading to supply chain disruptions and environmental challenges,” explained Dr. Singh. “By repurposing human hair into graphite, we can overcome these issues and contribute to a more sustainable energy sector.”
Furthermore, the use of human hair as a raw material for graphite production offers environmental advantages over traditional methods, which often involve the use of polluting chemicals. Dr. Singh emphasized the eco-friendly nature of human hair, which generates minimal pollutants throughout the manufacturing process.
Sustainable Salons has played a pivotal role in supplying the necessary hair clippings for the research, collecting waste from salons across Australia and New Zealand. Paul Frasca, Co-Founder of Sustainable Salons, expressed optimism about the potential of hair as a sustainable resource.
“We envision a future where hair becomes a valuable renewable resource,” said Mr. Frasca. “The infinite growth of hair presents an opportunity to harness its potential for powering electric vehicles and advancing the circular economy.”
Dr. Singh’s prior research demonstrated the effectiveness of utilizing human hair for sustainable energy solutions, including the development of hair-derived carbon dots for light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize emission reduction efforts and pave the way for a greener future.
The discovery of transforming human hair into renewable energy storage represents a significant step forward in sustainable technology, offering promising opportunities for addressing global energy challenges while minimizing environmental impact.
