Thursday, May 12, 2022

Photosynthesis used to power a microprocessor for over six months

Good news! What else can we power with photosynthesis?

"Microprocessors can be powered using photosynthetic microorganisms in ambient light without the need for an external power source, new research shows. Led by Emre Ozer from Arm and Christopher Howe from the University of Cambridge, researchers in the UK, Italy and Norway introduced cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 into an aluminium–air battery to create a biophotovoltaic device. The device is a similar size to an AA battery, is made from durable and mainly recyclable materials and does not require a dedicated light source to function. It is the first reported bioelectrochemical system capable of continuously powering a microprocessor outside of laboratory-controlled conditions. ..."

P.S. I was not able to find the corresponding research paper. I suspect this has not yet been published in a journal.

Photosynthesis used to power a microprocessor for over six months | Research | Chemistry World (behind paywall) System represents a breakthrough in the real-life applicability of biophotovoltaic devices

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