solarpunk-aesthetic:Electricity from PlantsHere’s some seriously cool science. Plant Microbial Fuel
solarpunk-aesthetic:Electricity from PlantsHere’s some seriously cool science. Plant Microbial Fuel Cells (PMFCs) can derive solar energy from plants by mimicking biological interactions. Or in other words – this technology uses living plants instead of solar cells.The idea is based on older technology, Microbial Fuel Cells, which use soil microbes to generate power. Plant microbial fuel cells go a step further. Living plants exude waste products into the soil, in the form of sugars and proteins. These waste products nourish bacteria in the soil for as long as the plant is alive and healthy, and their metabolism generates a current. You can find a more comprehensive explanation here.Given that one of the most promising plants for this technology is rice (aquatic plants work best), this would provide both energy and a food source. On a smaller scale, a Bioo Light is a plant pot which will produce electricity, so you can charge your phone from a plant!Take another look at some of that gorgeous Solarpunk artwork full of plants. Now imagine it with the plants themselves literally powering the society.(artwork by Imperial Boy)Links for scientists:Deng, Chen, & Zhao (2011)Nitisoravut & Regmi (2017)Rabaey & Verstraete (2005)Sophia & Sreeja (2017)Wetser et al (2015) -- source link
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