A New Use for Algae?

Scientists may have found a new use for algae.

According to a recent research paper published in the journal Energies, researchers say they were able to make a renewable power source using the aquatic plant. In the report, scientists said they were able to extract energy from the algae by suspending it in a solution within a polarized electrical device and separating it by a honeycomb-shaped proton filter.

Scientists say the power source is a completely carbon negative technology. They also said the entire process works by capturing the electrons that the algae create during photosynthesis and harnessing them to create electricity. So far, the researchers have only discovered a maximum possible terminal voltage of 1 volt from a single micro photosynthetic power cell.

Researchers say the results mean we’re a long way from generating ample energy from algae to be enough to power a city; however, scientists believe that with sufficient research and development the technology could be brought to scale.