“…researchers have developed a strategy for using genetically engineered multifunctional viruses as scaffolds for the synthesis and assembly of cathode materials for high-power lithium-ion batteries. By manipulating two genes of the M13 virus (a bacteriophage), the viruses were equipped with peptide groups with affinity for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on one end and peptides capable of nucleating amorphous iron phosphate (a-FePO4) fused to the viral major coat protein to create a iron phosphate cathode material…The synthesis takes place at and below room temperature, requires no harmful organic solvents, and the materials that go into the battery are non-toxic….” Full Slice

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