Chinese scientists have developed a groundbreaking microbial battery that harnesses the power of electroactive bacteria to generate electricity—marking a significant leap beyond conventional lithium-ion technology. Unlike traditional batteries, which are associated with environmental damage during production and disposal, this innovative bio-battery presents a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative rooted in biological processes.
Developed by researchers at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the miniaturized, portable battery operates using electroactive microorganisms that naturally generate electricity through metabolic activity. These bacteria, such as Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, produce electrons while breaking down organic material, enabling the battery to self-charge without relying on conventional power grids.
What sets this bio-battery apart is its high energy efficiency and environmental viability. According to the study, the device maintained a coulombic efficiency of over 99.5% across 50 charge/discharge cycles, indicating minimal energy loss. Moreover, the encapsulated bacteria preserved high viability—over 70% during the entire process and up to 97.6% at the end of operation—ensuring consistent performance.
The battery’s core components include living hydrogels embedded with conductive biofilms, housed within an alginate matrix and separated by a Nafion ion-exchange membrane—a design inspired by lithium-ion battery architecture. These hydrogels can be 3D-printed into customized geometries, making the technology adaptable for diverse applications. Notably, the bio-battery was successfully integrated into a standard 2032 coin cell shell, further demonstrating its practical potential.
While its energy density (0.008 Wh/L) and power output (up to 8.31 µW/cm²) are lower than those of traditional lithium-ion batteries, the technology avoids critical raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and manganese—significantly reducing environmental impact.
Beyond energy storage, the bio-battery’s precision makes it suitable for nerve stimulation applications, including control over bioelectrical signals and physiological blood pressure. Its ability to provide a steady and controlled power supply opens new avenues in medical therapy, wearable devices, and remote power solutions.
This innovation underscores the potential of engineered living materials in sustainable energy conversion and storage. If commercialized, it could reshape the global battery market and play a vital role in addressing climate challenges.
The full study is published in Advanced Materials: https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adma.202419249
