Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have announced they developed a new solid organic electric battery that is powered by treated potatoes. This simple and sustainable device could solve the electricity needs in developing countries.
According to the researchers, the enhanced salt bridge capability of treated potato tubers can produce electricity through means that are readily available in the developing world.
The highly efficient battery is made from copper and zinc electrodes and a boiled potato slice. This act of boiling the potato enables the battery to work for days or even weeks (depending on several conditions), and increase the power up to 10 fold over the untreated potato. Also, unlike regular commercial cells (Energizer E91 cells or 1.5 Volt D cells) the potato batteries are five to 50 fold cheaper. Researchers have demonstrated the functionality of this organic potato battery by powering LEDs.
This new green power source could be used as an energy source in telecommunications, information transfer or lighting, and improving the quality of life of 1.6 billion people. We all know that in in the developing world they still use kerosene lamps. This battery could provide clean light while being 6 times more economical.
[Source: Engadget]
