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Researchers have developed a microbial fuel cell from two types of mushrooms to supply small devices with electricity. The living mushroom battery is completely biodegradable.
Electronic waste is a growing problem. In an increasingly digital world, batteries and batteries have become an integral part of it. But many energy stores contain harmful substances and land in the trash after their use. But a solution to this problem could come from nature.
Because researchers from the Federal Materials Examination and Research Institute (EMPA) developed A microbial fuel cell from two types of mushrooms. This could supply small electronic devices with energy in the future – and that completely environmentally friendly.
The living mushroom battery uses the metabolism of two types of mushrooms. Back yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) sits on the anode side, which emits electrons when they metabolism. On the cathode side is the white rot -mushroom velvety tramete (trametes pubescens). This fungus produces an enzyme that absorbs the electrons and thereby generates electricity.
Mushroom battery is created by special ink in 3D printing
In order to have the battery work efficiently, the researchers have developed a special ink for 3D printing. This contains both the mushrooms and their food, so that you can live on after printing. The material is biodegradable and was provided with carbon black and graphite particles in order to be conductive.
The mushroom battery is not yet powerful enough to operate smartphones or laptops. In current tests, she provided a power density of 12.5 microwatts per square centimeter – enough to operate simple sensors. For example, four such batteries could supply a temperature sensor with electricity for up to 65 hours.
Technology could sustainably eliminate special waste
In the future, such batteries could be particularly useful to provide sensors in remote areas with energy – for example in agriculture or environmental research. As a result, no more classic batteries would be necessary, which have to be disposed of as special waste after use.
The researchers are currently working on developing the technology. The aim is to make the battery more durable and more powerful. It is examined, for example, whether other types of mushrooms could be even better power suppliers. Because the pilgrimage is far from being exhausted in materials science.
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The post -living mushroom battery can be used for small devices with electricity from Felix Baumann first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.
As a Tech Industry expert, I find the concept of a living mushroom battery fascinating and innovative. The idea of harnessing the natural energy produced by living organisms to power small devices is not only environmentally friendly but also showcases the potential for sustainable energy solutions.
Mushrooms have been shown to generate electricity through the process of photosynthesis, where they convert light energy into chemical energy. By integrating this natural energy production into a battery system, we can create a renewable and biodegradable power source that can be used to supply electricity to small devices.
This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about energy production and consumption. By tapping into the power of living organisms, we can reduce our reliance on traditional fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable future.
However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as scalability and efficiency. But with further research and development, living mushroom batteries could become a viable and practical solution for powering small devices in the near future.
Overall, I believe that the potential of living mushroom batteries is exciting and holds promise for a greener and more sustainable energy future in the tech industry.
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