As the global demand for high-energy-density, reliable, and safe energy storage escalates, solid-state batteries (SSBs) have emerged as superior alternatives to conventional batteries by replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with solid alternatives. However, the widespread commercialization of SSBs is currently impeded by formidable challenges, including high fabrication costs, sluggish ion kinetics across solid-solid interfaces, and environmental footprint concerns.
A comprehensive new review article published in ENGINEERING Energy demonstrates how integrating biomass-derived materials offers an innovative pathway to overcome these intrinsic limitations while simultaneously aligning with a circular bioeconomy and global carbon neutrality goals.
Conducted by researchers from Nanjing Forestry University and University of Waterloo , the study critically examines the transformative opportunity of repurposing natural structures for critical battery components. Biomass materials—encompassing organic matter from plants, agricultural residues, marine byproducts, and forestry waste—convert CO₂ and water into structurally sophisticated biopolymers like cellulose, lignin, and chitosan through photosynthesis. These carbon-neutral resources possess naturally hierarchical porosity, aligned channels, and functional groups that are difficult to replicate synthetically, making them ideal for advanced energy storage.
Key Research Highlights:
By synthesizing fundamental design principles and the latest progress in the field, this comprehensive review highlights how leveraging nature’s blueprint can accelerate the transition from laboratory concepts to industrially viable components, ultimately driving the development of high-performance, safe, and truly sustainable next-generation SSBs.
Journal: ENGINEERING Energy
Read the full article for free: https://rdcu.be/frN5e
Cite this article: Chen, G., Zhuang, W. & Mekonnen, T. Biomass-derived materials for next-generation solid-state batteries: From sustainable resources to advanced electrodes and electrolytes. ENG. Energy 20 , 10789 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11708-026-1078-9
ENGINEERING Energy
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Biomass-derived materials for next-generation solid-state batteries: From sustainable resources to advanced electrodes and electrolytes
15-Jun-2026