From soil health to sodium-ion batteries: Team investigates biochar’s breadth of potential

Researchers at Deakin University, Barwon Water and RMIT are exploring the “many superpowers of biochar”, including in next-generation batteries through a project backed by the Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH.) According to a statement from Deakin on Wednesday, organic material from treated wastewater and household wastes is being processed into different biochar formulations…

Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

Liontown Resources produces first lithium Battery Materials producer Liontown Resources has produced its first lithium spodumene concentrate at Kathleen Valley in Western Australia, following the commissioning of the wet plant and end-to-end operation of the value chain. The milestone marks the start of production ramp-up to nameplate throughput of 3Mtpa, currently expected by the end…

Sparc Technologies progresses sodium ion batteries

New tests by technology development company Sparc Technologies has shown continuing improvement in key parameters of performance for the sodium ion battery the company is developing with the Queensland University of Technology. The Adelaide company said today it would accelerate R&D efforts and had launched a techno-economic analysis of the batteries following battery testing and…