Electric Current from Plants

Stanford scientists have invented a new source of electric energy production from a process that is very similar to photosynthesis, a plant's method of converting sunlight to chemical energy. It may be a first step toward generating "high efficiency" bioelectricity that doesn't give off carbon dioxide as a by-product. The scientists developed an unique, ultra-sharp nanoelectrode made of gold, and gently pushed it through the algal cell membranes. From the photosynthesizing cells, the electrode collected electrons that had been energized by light and the researchers generated a tiny electric current. This can developed to a considerable quantity of electric power and in future can be used to generate electric power for the portable electric equipments and later will be a solution for the energy crisis we face.

Stanford engineers have generated electrical current by tapping into the electron activity in individual algae cells. This may be the first step toward carbon-free electricity directly from plants. There are more news coming up from various corners about more experiments and achievements. Read this press release for more information.