A Deviation from the Standard Battery

Batteries, the objects that power up our electric toothbrushes, cars, flashlights, and countless other appliances, are going through a phase of change which is making them more efficient and cost effective. However, the spectrum of this revolution is not concentrated only on the improvement of current battery technology. Instead, the it now includes the creation of new types of batteries called bio-batteries, an energy storing device that uses organic compounds as a power source. Despite the low integration of these devices in our daily lives, they still show great promise towards many problematic situations faced by remote regions that have limited electric supply

Recently, scientists have invented a bacteria powered battery on a piece of paper. I know, crazy right? The mechanism of this battery has evolved from the traditional battery; however, the way it is powered is completely different and will be discussed shortly.

To truly understand the difference between a standard battery and a bacteria-powered paper battery, it is essential that we understand how traditional batteries work. Usually, traditional batteries have a cathode(positive end) and an anode (negative end) and a strong electrolyte that is sandwiched between the them. The chemical reactions that occur between the substances in the electrolyte region produce a bank of electrons at the anode. When the battery is part of a complete electric circuit the bank of electrons travel through the circuit to power an electric appliance such as a bulb. Please refer to the image below to better visualize the concept described above.

The new battery as a descendant of the traditional battery still retains a cathode and an anode. However, this battery is powered by bacterial metabolism instead of a chemical reactions between substances in the electrolyte region.

A look at the materials and the manufacturing process of this new generation of batteries proves to us why they are affordable. First, a thin ribbon of silver nitrate is applied to chromatography paper. Then, a thin layer of wax was applied on it to create the cathode end of the battery. On the other end of the paper, a conductive polymer and a reservoir for wastewater bacteria was applied to create an anode. When the paper was folded such that the cathode end and the anode end met, the bacteria powered the battery by its usual metabolic functions. The affordability of these batteries will certainly prove beneficial for poor communities with limited access to electricity. The image below shows the final design of the battery.

The development of an easy and cheap to produce battery is great news. However, these batteries weren't developed to power electrical appliances such as light bulbs and other appliances that consume more electricity. Apparently, researchers observed that a combination of 6 of these batteries produce only 31.51 microwatts of electricity at 125.53 microamps which is not enough enough electricity to power even the conventional light bulb. However, that is enough electricity to power simple biosensors such as glucose level and cholesterol level sensors. This viable use can serve as a benefit, as it will be easier to provide immediate medical aid to people in remote regions

The revolution overtaking the world of batteries is truly a dynamic and shape shifting being that is in for many twists and turns; consequently, this revelation can definitely be classified as one of those large turning points that can open the pathways to several other research and development opportunities, which can further progress this revolution.