A recent study published in Journal of Power Sources explores the potential of using mycelium-based leather composite waste to produce biochar for energy storage. Researchers focused on the waste generated from Ganoderma lucidum mycelium, which is often discarded after the production of sustainable leather alternatives. By converting this waste into mesoporous biochar (AGLM-5) through a KOH activation method, they achieved impressive results in energy storage.

The biochar exhibited a high specific surface area (3151.9 m²/g), crucial for enhancing electrochemical performance. When tested in a supercapacitor, AGLM-5 showed a specific capacitance of 303.5 F/g and an energy density of 45.5 Wh/kg at a power density of 450.7 W/kg. Furthermore, the symmetric supercapacitor retained excellent cycling stability over 10,000 cycles, with a capacitance loss of less than 4%.

The study also explored combining AGLM-5 with δ-MnO₂ to form composite electrode sheets, significantly improving the performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. This environmentally friendly approach demonstrates the potential of mycelium waste in energy storage, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

The findings highlight the broader potential of biochar-based materials in applications like supercapacitors, batteries, and beyond, aligning with the goals of sustainable energy and waste resource utilization.

This research contributes to the growing field of biochar applications, particularly in energy storage, by efficiently repurposing biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More waste.