Grant recipient
Photosynthetic bacteria can transfer electrons to outside their cells. This ability, which is a side-product of photosynthesis, has been harnessed in biophotovoltaics to generate green electricity. However, the exact mechanisms behind this process remain unclear. Recent evidence suggests that photosynthetic bacteria may switch between exporting and importing electrons, opening the possibility of harnessing bidirectional extracellular electron transfer in photo-bio-batteries to charge, store and discharge electricity. The Photo-Bio-Batteries project aims to uncover how photosynthetic bacteria switch between different directions of extracellular electron transfer, considering environmental conditions like sugar availability, light and temperature. Smart electrodes will also be developed for that change their shape and function in response to light and temperature, to complement the dynamic performance of photosynthetic bacteria in photo-bio-batteries.
Laura Wey
Photo-bio-batteries: Harnessing bidirectional electricity from photosynthetic bacteria
Grant amount: DKK 11.192.873