A team of researchers has created a new “green technology” capable of performing as well as, if not better than, conventional batteries. This new look biofilm formed by bacteria captures energy from evaporation and converts it into electricity.

Biofilms are colonies of bacteria that become resistant to drugs, and in this case we are talking about a product based on geobacteria. Geobacter sulphureducens, used to produce “quasi-metallic” nanowires. The difference from the creation of Xiaomeng Liu of the University of Massachusetts Amherst is that these organisms are not alive. Thus, they do not need to be fed to generate energy and biofilm. works continuously.

What makes this biobattery of dead bacteria work is that G. sulphurreducens grows in colonies that resemble “very thin carpets” that are formed through natural nanowires – this is the secret of the “green device”. The research team, in turn, uses a laser to etch the circuits.

The next step in the creation is to place these films between two electrodes and seal them with a breathable polymer that can be applied directly to the skin. The biofilm generates electricity when it receives moisture, and it can be as low as in human skin.

As Xiaomeng Liu explains, it is “true green energy, and unlike other so-called green energy sources, its production is completely green.” Jun Yao, team coordinator, adds that this could be the start of a technological revolution, especially when it comes to wearables, which are still limited by their power sources. He explains that “batteries are dying and need to be replaced or recharged. In addition, they are bulky, heavy and uncomfortable.

According to Yao, the next step for this novelty is to increase the size of biofilms. Thus, in the future it will be possible to power “more complex” electronics with something very similar to a bandage.

Via: Technological innovation

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