Russian researchers develop model for biofuel cells using cyanobacteria

In Russia, researchers from St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” have developed a model of biofuel cell for electricity generation using cyanobacteria. The developers created and tested a model of a biofuel cell for the photogeneration of electricity based on cyanobacteria. Researchers focused on the design and optimization of nanostructured anodes on which life cells were deposited. They created and tested various types of anodes based on glassy carbon, carbon paper cardboard, carbon felt. Scientists carried out a comparative study of energy production efficiency using different strains of cyanobacteria and found out that developed fuel cell efficiency with Synechococcus was 1.3 times higher than that with Anabaena. Maximum efficiency obtained with hybrid carbon anode and Synechococcus was 183 mW/m2.

Currently, ETU “LETI” researchers are actively working on improving the efficiency of the biofuel cell. The tasks are to improve the cell design, expand the range of materials used for anode production, and find even more effective strains.

The results of the study will allow developing sustainable energy sources based on renewable resources that do not pollute the environment. In addition to generating electricity, cyanobacteria can be used to dispose of carbon dioxide and generate oxygen.