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Scientists develop microbial fuel cell that can be used as a renewable energy source.
Scientists from Northwestern University, in the USA, led by Bill Yen, presented to the market a new Microbial Fuel Cell, capable of generating electricity continuously through the metabolism of bacteria present in the soil. With dimensions similar to a pocket book, the tech promises to be a renewable and sustainable energy source used to power underground sensors in agricultural and green infrastructure applications. After nine months of testing, the cell outperformed similar technologies by 120% and is standing out for its durability and efficiency in different soil conditions.
US scientists develop fuel cell from soil bacteria
Scientists at Northwestern University, under the leadership of Bill Yen, have revealed a new step in the search for more sustainable energy sources in the country.
They developed a “Microbial Fuel Cell”, which continuously generates energy through the metabolism of bacteria present in the soil.
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The microbial fuel cell works by using bacteria found in the soil to produce electricity.
As highlighted by scientists, this method offers a sustainable alternative to standard batteries, with the potential to power a range of devices, from underground sensors to agricultural and green infrastructure applications.
Comparable in size to a pocket book, the microbial cell promises to power sensors in underground environments, eliminating the need for conventional batteries that often contain toxic chemicals harmful to the environment.
Microbial fuel cell involved nine months of testing and refinements
The team of scientists dedicated nine months to testing and refining the fuel cell prototype.
The unique design, with anode and cathode placed perpendicularly, was essential in overcoming the challenges associated with fuel cells from bacteria, especially in dry and humid conditions.
Furthermore, the use of carbon felt as the anode and an inert metal as the cathode ensured greater efficiency in generating renewable energy.
According to the scientists, the cell design also allows the cathode to remain hydrated, even in dry soil surface conditions.
In this way, the microbial cell not only outperformed similar technologies by 120%, generating an average of 68 times more energy than was needed to operate the test sensors, but also showed resistance to variations in soil moisture.
Bill Yen, team leader, highlighted the importance of this discovery for a future with a growing number of devices in the Internet of Things (IoT).
According to him, fuel cells that generate renewable energy from bacteria can provide small amounts of energy to power a decentralized network of devices without relying on hazardous materials.
