A recent study conducted by researchers at Concordia University developed an innovative method to generate clean energy using algae. In order to harness the power of photosynthesis, the team created micro photosynthetic power cells capable of capturing electrons produced during this natural process and converting them into a continuous electric current.
“Our system does not use any of the hazardous gases or microfibres needed for the silicon fabrication technology that photovoltaic cells rely on,” Muthukumaran Packirisamy, a professor at Concordia University and the paper’s corresponding author, said. “Furthermore, disposing of silicon computer chips is not easy. We use biocompatible polymers, so the whole system is easily decomposable and very cheap to manufacture.”
Algae release electrons continuously due to their photosynthetic machinery, allowing for uninterrupted electricity generation. The technology not only produces green energy, but also actively removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, making it a carbon-negative solution. Water is the only byproduct of this process.
“Photosynthesis produces oxygen and electrons. Our model traps the electrons, which allows us to generate electricity,” Kirankumar Kuruvinashetti, a postdoctoral associate at the University of Calgary who worked on the study, said. “So, more than being a zero-emission technology, it’s a negative carbon emission technology. It absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and gives you a current.”
The environmental benefits of this algae-based energy are clear. However, scaling up this technology for widespread use will require further development. Currently, the micro cells can generate enough energy to power low- and ultra-low-power devices, such as smartwatches, Bluetooth headsets and home security systems.
Despite these limitations, the Concordia research team remains optimistic about the future of their technology. They predict it could become an affordable and clean power source, potentially rivaling solar panels in the future.
