Scientists from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) are making strides in renewable energy by developing a new method of producing battery materials from taro peels. This innovation could reduce electronic waste and reliance on expensive imported materials.
The research, led by Dr. Daniel Nframah Ampong and his team at the KNUST Centre for Engineering Materials Research (KCEMR), focuses on transforming agricultural waste into activated carbon, a crucial component in energy storage devices. According to Dr. Ampong, taro peels contain properties that enhance the efficiency of batteries, making them a viable alternative to conventional materials.
“Our goal is to find affordable and sustainable ways to produce high-performance energy storage devices using materials readily available in Ghana,” he stated. The study, which has gained recognition in academic circles, has the potential to revolutionize battery production in Ghana, reducing dependency on costly foreign imports.
Professor Mensah-Darkwa, a co-researcher, emphasized the broader vision of the project. “We are not just looking at academic research; we want to create real-world applications that can support industries and communities.
If we refine this technology, we could see local battery production in the near future,” he noted. With the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, this breakthrough presents an opportunity for Ghana to lead in eco-friendly battery technology.