Binghamton University researchers have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed biobattery that uses bacteria to generate electricity, achieving a power output of 1 milliwatt. This significant advancement represents one of the highest electrical outputs for such designs to date and holds considerable promise for powering small, autonomous devices for the Internet of Things (IoT).
A Breakthrough in Biobattery Technology
The new biobattery, developed by a collaborative team led by Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi from Binghamton University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Assistant Professor Dehao Liu from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, leverages a novel 3D printing method to enhance its efficiency. Traditional two-dimensional anodes in biobatteries often limit the effective delivery of nutrients to bacteria and the removal of waste, hindering power generation. The Binghamton team addressed this by creating a three-dimensional anode structure, specifically designed to optimize the environment for bacteria to thrive and produce electricity.
The Role of Stainless Steel and 3D Printing
A key innovation in this research is the use of stainless steel components, fabricated with a specialized 3D printing technique known as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology. Assistant Professor Dehao Liu, an expert in LPBF, highlighted its suitability for biobatteries due to its ability to create high-precision, customizable 3D structures with complex geometries. This maximizes the surface area and energy density, which are crucial for enhancing power output.
Previous attempts at creating 3D anodes often faced challenges with materials like carbon-based or polymer-based compounds, which possess low electrical conductivity and can be fragile. Furthermore, their microfabrication processes typically require high temperatures, which are detrimental to living bacteria. Stainless steel, on the other hand, offers excellent conductivity and structural strength.
Record-Breaking Power Output
By connecting several of these 3D-printed biobatteries in series or parallel, the researchers achieved nearly 1 milliwatt of power from six batteries. This output is sufficient to power a 3.2-inch thin-film transistor liquid crystal display. This marks a significant improvement in the electrical output compared to Choi’s previous biobattery designs over the last several years. An additional benefit of the stainless-steel components is their reusability; the bacterial cells can be detached and the power levels maintained after multiple uses.
Future Implications and Applications
The findings, recently published in the journal Advanced Energy & Sustainability Research, could pave the way for sustainable power sources for various small, autonomous devices.
Powering the Internet of Things (IoT)
The development of such efficient and sustainable biobatteries is particularly relevant for the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) sector. IoT devices, which are increasingly ubiquitous, often require compact and long-lasting power solutions. Microbial fuel cells, like the one developed, offer a promising alternative to traditional batteries, which can contribute to electronic waste and rely on potentially problematic supply chains.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Electronics
Professor Choi has been actively researching bacteria-fueled biobatteries for over a decade, with a focus on applications in remote locations, and even within the human digestive tract. His work is rooted in the vision of creating ecofriendly electronics that can self-maintain, self-heal, and adapt to environmental changes, reducing reliance on conventional batteries that eventually become electronic waste. The ability to 3D print components with precision and control allows for the integration of novel materials and the creation of customized battery structures, further contributing to energy efficiency and a reduction in material waste.
This breakthrough at Binghamton University represents a significant step forward in the quest for more sustainable and efficient energy solutions, especially for the ever-expanding world of interconnected devices.
