Eco-Friendly Energy: The 3D-Printed Fungal Battery That Feeds on Itself

By: | January 23rd, 2025

battery

Image by EMPA

A Battery That Feeds Itself

A battery that feeds itself instead of requiring charging? Researchers have created exactly that—a 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery. This innovative living power source could energize sensors used in agriculture or remote research areas. Once its job is complete, it self-destructs by digesting itself from within.

The Groundbreaking Concept of a Fungal Battery

The fungal battery is a pioneering invention, made by mixing fungal cells into 3D-printing ink. Its standout feature is its biodegradability—after fulfilling its purpose, the battery naturally breaks itself down from the inside.

This innovation contributes to the expanding field of research on fungi, a vast yet “underutilized” kingdom of life that is being harnessed to create everything from sustainable clothing and housing to alternative protein sources.

How the Fungal Battery Works

Developed at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), this unique fungal battery generates electricity by leveraging the metabolic processes of fungi.

Like all living organisms, microorganisms metabolize nutrients to produce energy. Microbial fuel cells harness this natural process, capturing a portion of the energy and converting it into electricity.

A 3D-Printed Biodegradable Design

The battery itself is entirely 3D-printed, enabling precise control over the electrode structures. The printing ink incorporates fungal cells within a biodegradable, cellulose-based material. This carefully engineered matrix supports fungal growth while maintaining electrical conductivity. To power the battery, simple sugars are added as nutrients for the fungi.

A Step Towards Sustainable Energy

This innovative technology offers a sustainable alternative to traditional batteries, with potential applications in fields such as agriculture and remote research.

This research represents a significant step towards developing truly sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

Nidhi Goyal

Nidhi is a gold medalist Post Graduate in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.

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