美国西北大学的研究团队近日展示了一种新型微生物燃料电池，这种电池可以埋入土里发电。据悉，这种微型装置可以收集微生物分解污垢时产生的能量，只要土壤中有碳元素，这种装置就能运转下去。
微生物燃料电池技术已有超过百年的历史，其工作原理与电池类似，拥有阳极、阴极和电解液，但不同之处在于，它不是从化学物质中汲取电能，而是利用细菌在分解土壤时自然释放的电子，通过导体转化为电能。然而，传统的微生物燃料电池一直面临着两个难题：一是埋在土壤中难以持续供给水和氧气；二是输出功率较低，性能不稳定。
西北大学的研究团队针对这些难题进行了优化设计，最终成功开发出一种新型的微生物燃料电池。测试表明，这种新型微生物燃料电池在不同土壤湿度条件下都能稳定工作，即使在土壤含水量仅为 41% 的“干燥”环境下也能持续发电。虽然这种装置产生的电量无法直接驱动汽车或手机，但它非常适合为微型传感器提供长期的电力供应。
英语如下：
News Title: Northwest University Develops Soil Microbial FNews Title: Northwest University Develops Soil Microbial Fuel Cell, Achieving Battery-Free Operation
Keywords: Microbial Fuel Cell, Soil Generation, Battery-Free Operation
News Content: A research team from Northwestern University has recently unveiled a new type of microbial fuel cell that can generate electricity by being buried in soil. It is reported that this miniature device can collect the energy produced by microorganisms as they decompose organic matter. As long as there is carbon in the soil, this device can continue to operate.
The technology behind microbial fuel cells has been around for over a century. Its working principle is similar to that of batteries, with anode, cathode, and electrolyte, but it differs in that it does not draw electrical energy from chemicals. Instead, it harnesses the electrons naturally released by bacteria as they break down soil, converting them into electrical energy through conductors. However, traditional microbial fuel cells have always faced two major challenges: first, it’s difficult to continuously supply water and oxygen when buried in soil; second, the output power is low and the performance is unstable.
The research team from Northwestern University optimized the design to address these challenges and successfully developed a new type of microbial fuel cell. Tests show that this new type of microbial fuel cell can work stably under different soil moisture conditions, and can continue to generate electricity even in a “dry” environment with only 41% soil moisture content. Although the amount of electricity generated by this device cannot directly power cars or phones, it is very suitable for providing long-term power supply for micro sensors.
【来源】https://www.ithome.com/0/745/555.htm
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