- Lignavolt removes key limitations of current generation lithium-ion batteries
- Made from a co-product of the paper industry, offering increased safety, low cost and ultra-high rate performance
- Hybrid lithium-carbon technology combines the benefits of super-capacitors and traditional batteries to create cells that can be recharged in as little as 60 seconds
- Sustainable and recyclable, with more than 10× the cycles of existing technology
Allotrope Energy has developed a new battery material, made sustainably from a co-product of the paper industry, that forms the basis of a new class of lithium-carbon batteries and super-capacitors that offer increased stability and safety, lower system cost, and ultra-fast recharging. This breakthrough promises to transform energy storage, particularly for automotive applications.
Lignavolt is a nano-porous carbon with a large surface area that replaces traditional materials in the anode and cathode of batteries and electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). The result is a new generation of capacitors with twice the energy density of existing products, as well as enabling high-performance lithium-carbon batteries that can be recharged in as little as 60 seconds without degrading their lifespan.
The material is made from lignin, an organic polymer that gives wood and other plant cells their structure. Suzano S.A., one of the world’s largest pulp and paper companies and Allotrope Energy’s principal investor, creates lignin as a co-product of the paper production process.
“The growing demand for transport’s electrification has highlighted the limitations of available battery materials,” said Dr Peter Wilson, Allotrope Energy’s CTO. “By utilising lignin, a renewable and widely abundant resource, we are not only pushing the boundaries of battery performance but also contributing to the global push for more sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. Removing the need for bulky and complex cooling systems means we can offer next-generation performance in a lower cost and much simpler package.”
In March 2025, Allotrope Energy confirmed the breakthrough performance of their technology by third party verification.
Allotrope Energy’s hybrid lithium-carbon technology comprises a high-rate battery-type anode and a high-capacity EDLC-style cathode that combine the benefits of both super capacitors and lithium-ion batteries in a single cell.
As the global demand for electrification intensifies, the limitations of current lithium-ion batteries are hampering the transition to zero emissions transport. Cobalt, nickel and graphite pose supply chain concerns, while safety issues are well documented as the battery’s response to heat introduces the need for complex and costly cooling systems.
The Lignavolt material offers a clear solution. It can operate at 10 – 100x the rate of conventional materials, unlocking the opportunity for fast-charging applications. Heat is no issue, removing the need for complex cooling systems, even in very high-power applications. And through the adoption of sustainable, natural materials, the cell technology removes supply chain concerns while also minimising the environmental impact of the battery’s production.
For more information, please visit https://allotrope.energy/