Stanford University Directly Harvests Electricity From Algae Photosynthesis

Algae continues to show its an energy dynamo:




Scientists at Stanford University have found a way to harvest electricity directly from plant cells during algae photosynthesis.

It may be a first step toward generating high-efficiency bioelectricity that doesn't give off carbon dioxide as a byproduct, the researchers say. This discovery illuminates yet another means of energy from an abundant source.

Say What?

When a plant goes through photosynthesis, the chloroplasts in the plant cells split H2O cells into oxygen, protons and electrons. After this split, light energy from the sun kicks the protons into high gear and the electrons speed through the cell providing their energy to proteins that use it to create sugars.

In order to tap into this process, a unique, ultra-sharp gold nanoelectrode--specifically designed for probing inside cells--was developed by the research team.


Link: http://www.energyboom.com/emerging/stanford-university-directly-harvests-electricity-algae-photosynthesis