ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science → Biology

You’ve heard all about solar cells, but what about bacterial solar cells?

On the desk of Seokheun "Sean" Choi sits a 3x3 array that at first glance looks like a lemon squeezer. It is, in fact, a solar panel but not like any you've seen or heard about before. Instead of using semiconductors like silicon crystals to convert sunlight into electricity, the array employs a complex system that nurtures cyanobacteria -- beings whose metabolism create free electrons which can be harnessed.

Tibi PuiubyTibi Puiu
April 13, 2016
in Biology, News, Renewable Energy
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

On the desk of  Seokheun “Sean” Choi sits a 3×3 array that at first glance looks like a lemon squeezer. It is, in fact, a solar panel but not like any you’ve seen or heard about before. Instead of using semiconductors like silicon crystals to convert sunlight into electricity, the array employs a complex system that nurtures cyanobacteria — beings whose metabolism create free electrons which can be harnessed.

Nine bacterial solar cells that combined generate 5.59 microwatts. Image: Seokheun "Sean" Choi
Nine bacterial solar cells that combined generate 5.59 microwatts. Image: Seokheun “Sean” Choi

Choi and colleagues at Binghamton University have been working on the bacteria solar cell for years now. Last year they significantly improved their design by changing the materials for the anodes and cathodes. They also used a microfluidic system chamber that houses and feeds the bacteria, instead of a dual-chamber reactor. Now, they’ve shown how to stack each cell into an array, proving the design is scalable.

Cyanobacteria, being photosynthetic organisms, use the sun’s energy, H2O and CO2 to synthesize their energy storage components, i.e. carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Some researchers have proposed that it may be feasible to use cyanobacteria to make biofuels and even hydrogen fuel  by the reversible activity of hydrogenase. The Binghamton University researchers, however, are tapping directly into the photocurrent generated by the bacteria themselves.

“Once a functional bio-solar panel becomes available, it could become a permanent power source for supplying long-term power for small, wireless telemetry systems as well as wireless sensors used at remote sites where frequent battery replacement is impractical,” said Choi, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering in Binghamton University’s Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, and co-author of the paper.

“This research could also enable crucial understanding of the photosynthetic extracellular electron transfer processes in a smaller group of microorganisms with excellent control over the microenvironment, thereby enabling a versatile platform for fundamental bio-solar cell studies,” said Choi.

I know you like numbers, so let’s look at some figures. A typical solar panel configuration of, say, 6×10 cells generates roughly 200 watts of electrical power. The same number of bacterial solar cells generates 0.00003726 watts, researchers report in the journal Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical. Alright, that was disappointing but this is still 1) experimental research and 2) bacterial solar cells aren’t meant to compete with traditional solar cells. It’s also worth noting that the power output was measured at 1.28 V operating voltage under a 200 kΩ external resistor, so there’s room for plenty of juice to power small devices.

The findings open the door for more research into how cyanobacteria could be used to power remote devices, like wireless sensors. Other than that, it’s pretty amazing to see other creatures besides hamsters turning a wheel generate raw electricity — and the cyanobacteria don’t seem to mind at all.

“It is time for breakthroughs that can maximize power-generating capabilities/energy efficiency/sustainability,” Choi said. “The metabolic pathways of cyanobacteria or algae are only partially understood, and their significantly low power density and low energy efficiency make them unsuitable for practical applications. There is a need for additional basic research to clarify bacterial metabolism and energy production potential for bio-solar applications.”

 

 

RelatedPosts

Finally, the metal wiring in solar cells might stop reflecting light. One up solar efficiency
Scientists engineer new life form with mixed Bacteria and Archaea membrane
The Search for Alien Life: We Have Been Looking in the Wrong Places
UK government is killing its solar industry by cutting subsidies
Tags: bacteriasolar cellsolar panel

ShareTweetShare
Tibi Puiu

Tibi Puiu

Tibi is a science journalist and co-founder of ZME Science. He writes mainly about emerging tech, physics, climate, and space. In his spare time, Tibi likes to make weird music on his computer and groom felines. He has a B.Sc in mechanical engineering and an M.Sc in renewable energy systems.

Related Posts

Biology

The secret to making plant-based milk tastier and healthier: bacteria

byAlexandra Gerea
1 month ago
Biology

Can Bacteria Solve Crimes? The “Sexome” Could Help Catch Sexual Predators

byMihai Andrei
3 months ago
Biology

This Tiny Microbe Can Withstand Extreme Radiation That Would Obliterate Humans. Here’s How It Might Protect Astronauts on a Trip to Mars

byTibi Puiu
5 months ago
Health

Do you flush your toilet with the lid up or down? This study will make you think twice

byTibi Puiu
10 months ago

Recent news

The Worm That Outsourced Locomotion to Its (Many) Butts

May 16, 2025

The unusual world of Roman Collegia — or how to start a company in Ancient Rome

May 16, 2025
Merton College, University of Oxford. Located in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, UK. Original public domain image from Wikimedia Commons

For over 500 years, Oxford graduates pledged to hate Henry Symeonis. So, who is he?

May 16, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.