Bacteria are one of the most studied organisms today, so why not put them to good use? Well they figured out how, bacteria has been used for genetics research, antibiotics, and now biofuels. But technology has come a long way and now they were able to get a battery run on bacteria. This is known as microbial fuel cells or MCFs.
These Batteries are powered by the chemical energy generated by the bacteria, and then it is converted into electrical energy. It is done by using a relatively simple mechanism. Most batteries, including bacteria powered batteries, contain an anode (which is the negative end) and a cathode (which is the positive end). The bacteria battery also contains a membrane capable of filtering electrons and protons. These electrons and protons are produced during the chemical breakdown of substances by bacteria.
First the bacteria breakdown process starts by producing ions, and then from there the anions are transferred from the cathode compartment from an external circuit and then the protons get sent to the cathode from the anode. To sum it all up, the chemical energy that the bacteria produces is changed into electrical energy.
Scientists from Harvard have been working with these types of batteries and developed a battery that uses bacteria found inside African Soil. What they have found to be amazing is that the layer of sand is used as the ionic membrane, the mud that contains manure as the bacterial substrate, and the graphite cloth as the anode. They have developed a great battery because it uses substances that are always available throughout Africa and is expected to provide electricity in some parts of Africa.
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