Micro photosynthetic power cells may be the green energy source for the next generation

Researchers from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, have developed micro-photosynthetic cell technology that harnesses electrical power from the photosynthesis and respiration of blue-green algae. This scalable technology offers a cost-effective way of generating clean energy and could potentially become a leading carbon-free power source for the future. Led by Dr. Muthukumaran Packirisamy, the team at the Optical Bio Microsystem lab at Concordia conceived and developed this technology, featured in the September 2015 issue of the journal TECHNOLOGY.

The technology aims to tap into clean energy sources, especially solar energy, to mitigate global warming. By capturing the electrons released during the photosynthesis and respiration processes in blue-green algae, the researchers have devised a photosynthetic power cell. The cell consists of an anode, cathode, and proton exchange membrane, with cyanobacteria in the anode chamber releasing electrons to the electrode surface from a redox agent present at the cathode. The cell achieved an open circuit voltage of 993mV and a power density of 36.23 μW/cm2.

These micro photosynthetic power cells hold potential applications in military, wireless, and Bio MEMS devices. However, challenges remain in scaling the power cell and making it commercially viable. The research team is working on increasing the power density and current density of the cell in an economical manner.