Suddenly durian helps generate electricity

Australian scientists have recently shown that durian pulp can be used to create supercapacitors. This is considered a breakthrough when it is possible to utilize the discarded part of durian for energy.

Durian is a famous fruit in the world because of its strange opposition: many people love it but not less "anti-fans " because of its characteristic scent.

However, recent research on the unexpected potential of durian may cause those who "detest" this fruit to look different.

Scientists use durian pulp to convert it into energy.(Photo: GETTY IMAGES).

According to New Scientist, scientists at the University of Sydney (Australia) have just announced the first success in using durian pulp converted into energy , which can be used for some technological equipment or car engines. The group also said jackfruit has the same ability.

Associate Professor Vincent Gomes - University of Sydney, the research leader - said that after bringing durian pulp or jackfruit heated and cooled suddenly, the team brought the material on aerogel synthesis.Aerogel is a super lightweight and porous material, often synthesized by replacing the liquid in a gel with a gas. This process produces a solid with low density and thermal conductivity.

According to Associate Professor Gomes, they choose durian pulp and jackfruit as raw material for aerogel because these are soft, fibrous pulp, helping to create chemical stability when separating and metabolizing aerogel over hard pulp. The large surface and rich in nitrogen are also advantages of these two fruits.

With the aerogel, the team went on to create supercapacitors that would power many types of devices.

A kind of super capacitor - (Image: GETTY IMAGES).

Today, supercapacitors are a new tool that has many advantages over batteries that can charge a phone twice as fast. Supercapacitors are often used for small materials or some components in vehicles.

Professor Brian Derby - materials science, University of Manchester (UK) - said the use of waste materials of natural origin as aerogel also helps protect the environment.

Previously, many types of aerogels made from gasoline and oil were now largely replaced by natural materials, thereby reducing fossil fuel consumption.

In addition to durian and jackfruit, scientists are thinking of finding other natural materials like soybeans, rice husks or garlic onions for supercapacitors.