Batteries have been around for more than 100 years, but today, in some remote or resource-limited areas, this kind of everyday items we use is still a luxury. It will be announced at the 256th National Conference and Expo of the American Chemical Society. One of the latest results – a new paper-based bio-battery powered by bacteria, could change this situation and bring low-cost new energy to these areas.
The new battery was developed by a research team at the State University of New York. The researchers printed thin layers of metal and other materials on the surface of the paper as substrates, and then placed the freeze-dried electrogenic bacteria on paper to make paper. Base bio-battery. When you use it, just apply water or saliva to the paper. Within a few minutes, these freeze-dried bacteria will rejuvenate. When they make energy for themselves, the generated electrons will pass through the cell membrane and external electrodes. Contact, thus powering the battery.
Because paper is permeable, researchers have been concerned that the electrons produced by bacteria are absorbed by oxygen before reaching the electrode, which affects battery performance. However, studies have shown that oxygen has little effect on battery performance because bacterial cells are tightly attached to the paper fibers. Before the oxygen intervenes, the fiber has quickly transferred electrons to the anode.
As a biosensor material, paper has unique advantages, good flexibility, large surface area and low price. The innovative structural engineering technology allows people to control the fiber diameter, smoothness and transparency of paper, and the new generation of paper for paper. The wide application of products has laid a good foundation. Paper-based batteries are generally optimistic due to their wide applicability, eco-friendliness and low cost. The researchers pointed out that the new paper-based batteries they developed are low in cost and easy to carry. It can be easily integrated into disposable electronic devices. Although it has not yet reached the level of practical application, battery performance needs to be greatly improved, but this improvement can be achieved by stacking and connecting multiple paper cells.
The shelf life of this disposable battery is currently about 4 months. Researchers are looking for ways to improve the survival and performance of freeze-dried bacteria, thus extending the shelf life of the battery.
