Eco Factor: Japanese scientists have successfully created a fuel cell from sugar blocks in an attempt that could pave the wave toward clean bio-fuel cell technology.
We always believed that fuel cell technology, which uses water as its source and derives energy from the combustion of hydrogen, obtained after the process of electrolysis, is the cleanest way to power your energy needs. While this technology is still some way away from being a commercial product, it seems bio-fuel cells are here to bridge the gap. Japanese scientist Tsuyonobu Hatazawa, from the Sony Corporation, has come up with a new bio-fuel cell that is powered by sugar. The principle of the bio-fuel cell is similar to conventional fuel cells which use a cathode and an anode to create the flow of electrons. To enhance the electron movement in the “sugar cell,” Tsuyonobu adopted a new technique in which naphthoquinone derivative – known as an electron transfer mediator, is used. To improve the electron density, a carbon fiber anode and cathode are used.
The improved version of the biofuel cell ensures that there is enough consistent current produced to charge up your MP3 player with speakers or a small remote controlled toy. While this does not mean you can charge up your iPod anytime soon from the sugar jar at your home, it is still being viewed as breakthrough technology. But it offers a new way toward a clean and planet-friendly fuel source.
The Dark Side:
It seems that even with bio-fuel cells the potential is not as huge as with hydrogen fuel cells. The technology is neat and clean, but it is still only in its nascent stages of development and could take ages to become commercial, if ever.
Via: Rsc
