Eco factor: Researchers produce electricity in an electrochemical cell using raw sewage.
Engineers at the Oregon State University have found an efficient way of producing more electricity from poop. In their recent experiment, the researchers have succeeded in extracting 20 times more electricity from raw sewage in comparison to their previous attempts. The electricity is generated when the bacteria found in the sewage forms a film over the gold nanoparticles coated graphite anodes emit electrons as they break down waste.
These electrons flow as a current through the graphite towards a cathode outside of the cell. Since gold is very expensive, so using it for large-scale treatment and electricity generation certainly doesn’t make sense. Therefore, the team is now looking for other nanoparticle metal coatings like iron. This technology could help in making water waste treatment plants energy self-sufficient.
Presently, nearly 1.5 percent of electricity usage goes into the treatment of sewage. This pioneering technology could significantly cut costs in the United States. The OSU researchers also think that the technology could also be adapted to generate hydrogen gas for usage in hydrogen fuel cells in cars.
Via: NewsDesk
