Australian scientists recently said that it is possible to use durian pulp to create supercapacitors. This is considered a breakthrough when it is possible to use the waste of durian to make energy.
Durian is a famous fruit in the world because of its strange opposite: many people love it but also many “anti-fans ” because of its characteristic scent.
However, recent research on the unexpected potential of durian may make those who “disgust” this fruit will have a different view.
Scientists use durian pulp to convert it into energy. (Photo: GETTY IMAGES).
According to New Scientist, scientists from the University of Sydney (Australia) have just announced the initial success in converting durian pulp into energy , which can be used for some technological devices or car engines. The group also said that jackfruit has the same ability.
Associate Professor Vincent Gomes – University of Sydney, leader of the research team – said that after bringing the durian or jackfruit pulp to heat and then cooled suddenly, the team brought the materials on to synthesize airgel. Aerogels are ultra-lightweight and porous materials, usually synthesized by replacing the liquid in the gel with a gas. This process yields a solid with low density and thermal conductivity.
According to Assoc. Gomes, they chose durian and jackfruit pulp as raw materials for the airgel because these are soft, fibrous pulps, which help create chemical stability when separating and transforming the airgel than the rough pulp. The large surface and rich nitrogen are also advantages of these two related fruits.
Once the airgel was available, the team continued to build supercapacitors to power a variety of devices.
A type of supercapacitor – (Image: GETTY IMAGES).
Today, supercapacitors are a new tool that has a huge advantage over batteries that can fully charge a phone twice as fast. Supercapacitors are often used for small materials or some components in vehicles.
Professor Brian Derby – majoring in materials science, University of Manchester (UK) – said that the use of waste materials of natural origin as aerogels also helps to protect the environment.
Previously, many types of airgels were produced from gasoline and oil, but now most of them can be replaced with natural materials, thereby helping to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
In addition to durian and jackfruit, scientists are thinking of finding other natural materials such as soybeans, rice husks or onions and garlic for supercapacitors.