Fuel Cell Generates Energy from Living Plants

Fuel Cell Generates Energy from Living Plants
Nov-27-12
The Plant-Microbial Fuel Cell generates electricity from growing plants without affecting the plant’s growth or damaging its environment.

Developed at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, the fuel cell is designed to harvest electricity from plants by taking advantage of the excess organic material produced by the plant and released through the roots. Naturally occurring bacteria in the soil break down the leftover organic matter, releasing electrons in the process that are then harvested by electrodes placed near the plant roots.

Currently, the Plant-Microbial Fuel Cell can generate 0.4 Watt per square meter of plant growth, which is more than is generated by fermenting biomass. A spin-off company called Plant-e has commercialized the technology, with the first products appearing on the market by next year.



More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
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