Fuel cells use microorganisms to power IoT devices

A team of researchers from Northwestern University (USA) has developed a new type of battery that uses microorganisms in the soil as an energy source.

The book-sized device could be used to power underground sensors used in agriculture and green infrastructure, offering an alternative to traditional batteries.

A fuel cell covered in dirt after being pulled from the ground.

The new battery has been tested to power sensors that detect contact and soil moisture, which are useful for tracking animal movements. The sensors are equipped with antennas to transmit data wirelessly.

In both dry and wet conditions, the new battery outperformed similar technologies by up to 120%. The study authors stress that with the growing number of Internet of Things ( IoT ) devices, it is important to find alternatives to lithium batteries and heavy metals.

Microbial fuel cells, powered by the breakdown of organic carbon in soil, could be an inexhaustible source of energy. Technical systems for harvesting electricity from bacteria are not too complicated and are easy to implement.

This type of battery is not designed to power an entire city, but can power a small area.

The prototype can operate in both dry and submerged conditions thanks to its perpendicular anode and cathode design. On average, the battery generates 68 times more energy than is needed to power its sensors.

Researchers plan to develop a battery that is completely biodegradable using locally available materials and a simple supply chain, making computing accessible to all communities.

This technology could play a key role in sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture, allowing continuous data collection without the need to change batteries or clean solar panels, which is especially important in large agricultural areas.

(according to Securitylab)

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