Until recently, conventional microbial fuel cells lacked the ability to generate enough current to be useful in household applications. But thanks to research conducted at Oregon State University (OSU), that fact is about to change. With the use of newly-developed fuel cells that feature electrodes coated in gold nanoparticles, homes in developing countries will soon be able to generate electricity while they clean their sewage. The gold-enhanced electrodes work by helping to capture additional electrons from bacteria, which are added to raw sewage in a small unit designed for home use. As the bacteria break down the organic matter, protons and electrons are released. When the electrodes are placed around the mixture of sewage and bacteria, an electrical current is generated: enough to power a light bulb or even a small fan.Explains OSU researcher and co-author of the study Hong Liu, “I envisage small devices placed in households, instead of sewage plants, at least in the near future." Though peer review of the new fuel cell raises concerns about its limitations, the OSU team plans to first increase its efficiency and then develop it for commercial use within three to five years.
Full story at Environmental News Network.
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