Research on biobatteries powered by bacteria is being reformulated to create artificial plants that feed on carbon dioxide, emit oxygen and even generate some energy.
On average, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, and the air we breathe at work, school, or home affects our overall health and well-being. However, most air purification systems are expensive and require frequent cleaning or replacement of filters to perform at optimal levels, he details. Europa Press.
Seokheun “Sean” Choi of Binghamton University, State University of New York, and doctoral student Maryam Rezaie are developing artificial plants that use indoor light to boost photosynthesis, achieving a 90% reduction in carbon dioxide levelsfar exceeding the 10% reduction observed with natural plants.
The results are described in an article recently published in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems.
“Especially after going through COVID-19, we know the importance of indoor air quality“Choi, a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, said in a statement.
“Many sources can generate very toxic materials, such as building materials and carpets. We exhale and inhale, and that increases carbon dioxide levels. Additionally, there are risks from cooking and infiltration from the outside.”
Using five biological solar cells and their photosynthetic bacteria, Choi and Rezaie created an artificial leaf “for fun,” and then realized that the concept has broader implications.
They built the first plant with five leaves, then tested its carbon dioxide capture rates and oxygen generating capacity.
Although power generation of around 140 microwatts is a secondary benefit, Choi hopes to improve the technology to achieve a minimum output of more than 1 milliwatt.
It also wants to integrate an energy storage system, such as lithium-ion batteries or supercapacitors.
“I want to be able to use this electricity to charge a mobile phone or for other practical uses“, said.
Other improvements could include using multiple species of bacteria to ensure long-term viability and developing ways to minimize maintenance, such as water and nutrient delivery systems.
“With some adjustments, these artificial plants could be part of every home,” Choi said. “The benefits of this idea are easy to see.” (YO)
