Eco Factor: Ecofriendly bacteria batteries powered by dirt.
Scientists at Harvard believe that earth is what is needed to light up homes of some 500 million people living in sub-Saharan Africa, who are desperately waiting to get connected to the grid for power. These researchers have created microbial fuel cell (MFC) batteries that derive power from naturally occurring bacteria in soil.
The batteries come in the form of a five-pound bucket that carries a graphite-cloth anode, chicken wire cathode, mud with manure, a layer of sand to act as ion barrier and salt water, which acts as an electrolyte. The charge coming out of the bucket is good enough to power small electronics and a few LED lights.
The Harvard team has formed a company, Lebone, which is currently testing the batteries and have buried 100 units in dirt that will power Namibian families for several months.
Via: Inhabitat
