The biobattery developed by Empa’s cellulose and wood materials laboratory has opened up new possibilities in the world of sustainable energy . This innovative device uses fungi as a base to generate electricity, and is also completely biodegradable and functional in remote environments.
Unlike conventional batteries , this biobattery needs to be fed with water and simple nutrients to activate . Its design allows sensors used in agriculture and environmental monitoring to operate for days, an ideal solution for remote areas where access to electricity is limited.
How does the biobattery work?
[post_relacionado]The device combines two types of fungi: a yeast at the anode, which releases electrons, and a white rot fungus at the cathode, which captures and transfers the electrons. This process, known as a microbial fuel cell, harnesses the metabolism of microorganisms to generate energy sustainably .
Empa researchers used 3D printing to manufacture the components of the biobattery. The ink used is made of cellulose, a material that is not only biodegradable but also nutritious for fungi, allowing the device to decompose safely after use.
Although the biobattery currently produces moderate amounts of electricity , researchers are working to improve its power and explore new species of fungi with energy potential. This interdisciplinary approach combines microbiology, materials science and electrical engineering, showing how nature and technology can come together for sustainable solutions.
Watch the self-digesting fungal cell. Source: Pero-TV
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Source and photos: Empa Cellulose and Wood Materials Laboratory