Algae could be a green power source

TORONTO: Researchers led by an Indian origin scientist have developed a technology that harnesses electrical energy from blue-green algae, that could be used to power cell phones and computers in future. 

The team created a power cell that harnesses electrical energy from the photosynthesis and respiration of blue-green algae. "Both photosynthesis and respiration, which take place in plants cells, involve electron transfer chains. By trapping the electrons released by blue-green algae during photosynthesis and respiration, we can harness the electrical energy they produce naturally," said a researcher Muthukumaran Packirisamy. 

Currently, the photosynthetic power cell exists on a small scale, and 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. An external load is connected to the device to extract the electrons and harness power.