Scientists develop urine-powered battery

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April 25, 2016 8:41 AM

The scientists worked with the Queen Mary University in London and the Bristol Bioenergy Centre to create the urine-powered microbial fuel cell.

A scientist with the urine-powered battery

Media reports have revealed that scientists at the University of Bath have developed a battery or miniature fuel cell that is powered by urine.

Geeky Gadgets reports that the device is designed to be low cost and expected to cost between £1 and £2.

According to the reports, the scientists worked with the Queen Mary University in London and the Bristol Bioenergy Centre to create the urine-powered microbial fuel cell.

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"This novel fuel cell developed by the researchers, measures one inch squared in size and uses a carbon catalyst at the cathode which is derived from glucose and ovalbumin, a protein found in egg white. This biomass-derived catalyst is a renewable and much cheaper alternative to platinum, commonly used in other microbial fuel cells. The researchers worked on the cell’s design to maximize the power that could be generated. By increasing the cell’s electrodes from 4mm to 8mm, the power output was increased tenfold. Furthermore, by stacking multiple units together, the power was proportionally increased," read a statement from the announcement of the feat, according to Geeky Gadgets.

The urine-powered fuel cell can generate 2 watts per cubic metre - enough to power a mobile phone.

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