What a research team from the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Milan has now presented is the first rechargeable battery developed from non-toxic, edible components. ‘Given the level of safety of these batteries, they could be used in children’s toys where there is a high risk of choking,’ said Mario Caironi, a senior researcher at the IIT. However, that’s not the only application the edible batteries could cover.
The systems can also bring great progress in medical technology. Because currently, systems that are implanted inside the body have to be used with care – because their power sources consist partly of toxic substances. Again, the new systems would be a good option. The same applies everywhere else where the user can sometimes do without a little performance in favor of greater environmental friendliness.
Everyone knows the ingredients
The amount of electricity supplied is not yet sufficient for many applications. Currently, the edible battery can deliver 48 microamps of current for just over 10 minutes. This means that it can easily cover the power requirements of a miniature medical device or a small LED. “These batteries don’t compete with ordinary batteries – they won’t power electric cars – they are intended for edible electronics and maybe some other niche applications, so their main benefit is non-toxicity,” said ITT researcher Ivan K. Ilic. The crucial substance for the battery cathode is quercetin, a coloring agent found in almonds and capers, for example. The anode, on the other hand, consists of riboflavin – which is better known as vitamin B2. The researchers also used nori, the edible seaweed from sushi rolls, as a separator and a water-based solution (aqueous NaHSO4) as the electrolyte. Other ingredients are activated charcoal, beeswax, some gold leaf and methyl cellulose.
With this combination, the battery should not exactly represent a taste experience, which is ultimately not desirable either: The researchers pointed out with a wink that it damages the rechargeability of the power storage device if it is eaten.
- Researchers have developed edible batteries that are particularly suitable for children’s toys.
- Edible batteries include quercetin, riboflavin, nori, activated charcoal, beeswax and methylcellulose.
- The batteries provide 48 microamps of current for 10 minutes.
- Edible batteries can also be used in medical technology.
- They are not suitable for applications that require more power.
- You should not eat the batteries, otherwise they will no longer be rechargeable.
- The advantage of edible batteries is that they are extremely harmless.
See also:
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