While world leaders are meeting in Paris to discuss ways to deal with global warming, researchers from Concordia University in Montreal might already have found the answer.
The researchers have developed a technology that harnesses electrical energy from blue-green algae. Also known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae are the most populous microorganisms on earth.
The blue-green algae could prove to be a plentiful source of power to the world
Researchers have created a photosynthetic power cell that harness electrical energy by trapping the electrons released by blue-green algae during photosynthesis and respiration.
Currently, the prototype photosynthetic power cell developed by the Concordia group exists on a small scale. It consists of an anode, cathode, and proton exchange membrane. The algae are placed in the anode chamber.
As they undergo photosynthesis, the cyanobacteria release electrons to the electrode surface which is then trapped and harnessed for electrical energy.
