Eco Factor: Sustainable batteries powered by treated potatoes.
Yissum Research Development Company Ltd., the technology transfer arm of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has developed new solid organic electric battery that runs on treated potatoes. The simple, sustainable, robust device can potentially provide an immediate and inexpensive solution to electricity needs in the rural parts of the world.
Researchers at the Hebrew University discovered that the enhanced salt bridge capability of treated potato tubers can generate electricity through means readily available in the developing world. This cheap, easy to use green power source could substantially improve the quality of life of 1.6 billion people. Such a source can provide important needs, such as lighting, telecommunication, and information transfer
The scientists discovered that the simple action of boiling the potato prior to use in electrolysis, increases electric power up to 10 fold over the untreated potato and enables the battery to work for days and even weeks. The ability to produce and utilize low power electricity was demonstrated by LEDs powered by treated potato batteries.
Cost analyses showed that the treated potato battery generates energy, which is five to 50 folds cheaper than commercially available 1.5 Volt D cells and Energizer E91 cells, respectively. The clean light powered by this green battery is also at least 6 times more economical than kerosene lamps often used in the developing world.
Via: Engadget/HotHardware
