Researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine), have uncovered groundbreaking insights into how marine mollusks, specifically chitons, can inform the development of advanced battery technology. This collaboration with Japanese institutions, including Okayama University and Toho University, aims to create cleaner and more efficient methods for synthesizing essential materials used in fuel cells and next-generation electronics.
Chitons, small marine creatures inhabiting intertidal zones worldwide, possess remarkable teeth that are among the hardest biological substances found in nature. According to David Kisailus, a professor of materials and engineering at UC Irvine and head of the Biomimetic and Nanostructured Materials Laboratory, these mollusks grow new teeth every few days that outperform conventional industrial materials. Kisailus notes, “Chiton teeth are made at room temperature and with nanoscale precision, offering a blueprint for producing advanced materials.”
The research, which builds on studies dating back to 2007, reveals that chiton teeth are primarily composed of a mineral known as magnetite. This mineral’s unique properties allow chitons to scrape rocks and consume algae effectively. The latest findings detail the process by which proteins are transported through microscopic nano-tubules to form these ultra-hard structures. By understanding this natural process, researchers aim to develop sustainable techniques for producing nanostructured materials.
Transforming Battery Production
Kisailus believes that mimicking nature’s precision can lead to significant advancements in engineered materials. For instance, he is currently collaborating with a Swiss company to develop a method of synthesizing cobalt oxide as a catalyst for hydrogen fuel cells, which traditionally rely on platinum priced at approximately $1,400 an ounce. This innovative approach reduces costs to less than 1% of the price of platinum while maintaining effectiveness.
In 2024, Kisailus’s lab received a grant of $4 million from the U.S. Air Force to explore using microbes to extract rare earth elements. This research aims to develop methods for mining in extreme environments such as the moon, Mars, and asteroids. Kisailus explains, “The proteins chiton teeth use to bind to iron during mineralization are similar to those of microbes that extract minerals from rock. This could enable us to create templates for battery production.”
The implications of this research extend beyond just battery technology. By using microbes instead of harmful acids for mineral extraction, the team hopes to lessen environmental contamination. This paradigm shift in material synthesis could also influence the production processes for semiconductors and computer chips.
Future of Sustainable Materials
Currently, the fabrication of nanomaterials for semiconductors involves toxic gases and high temperatures through a method known as chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The insights gained from studying chiton teeth suggest that similar results can be achieved at room temperature without relying on hazardous materials.
These discoveries point to a future where critical materials are produced sustainably, affordably, and closer to the end users. By leveraging design principles honed by evolution, researchers like Kisailus are pioneering technologies that promise to alleviate supply chain bottlenecks, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.
The work being done at UC Irvine not only highlights the potential of biomimicry in material science but also sets the stage for transformative changes in how industries source and produce the advanced materials that underpin modern technology.