Forget solar panels, algae could be the next big thing in renewable energy | The energy generated is capable of powering low-voltage devices like Internet of Things sensors.

From the article: Researchers at Concordia University in Quebec have developed a way to harvest energy from algae’s photosynthesis process, aiming to offer a sustainable energy source.

The team at the University’s Optical-Bio Microsystems Lab generates energy by suspending algae in a specialized solution and housing it in small power cells.

Their model captures electrons to generate electricity, making it not just zero-emission but a negative carbon emission technology.

According to researchers, when set up properly, their micro-photosynthetic power cells (µPSC) cells have the capacity to produce enough energy to run ultra-low- and low-power gadgets, like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.

“The integration of µPSCs into the realm of sustainable energy sources represents a significant stride forward, potentially impacting various sectors reliant on low-power solutions,” said the team in their research paper.

In a µPSC setup, a proton exchange membrane in the form of a honeycomb divides the anode and cathode chambers of the micro photosynthetic power cell.

The researchers constructed microelectrodes on both sides of the membrane to gather the charges that the algae release during photosynthesis. Each chamber is quite small, measuring just two centimeters by two centimeters by four millimeters.

Why forget solar panels? Why can’t we have both? Not to mention this is likely decades away, we can’t wait

What a clickbait title. For one, solar panels can power more than just low-voltage devices like IoT sensors.

Bruhh..there is not even a pilot scale testing of this thing