James Delahunty
26 Aug 2007 17:59
Sony Corp. has taken a step forward by creating a battery that produces electricity by breaking down sugar. The company, which is one of the largest producers of batteries in the world, sees this as a breakthrough in bio battery technology. The bio cell, which measures 39 millimeters cubed and delivers 50mW, setting a world record for such a cell.
The battery uses glucose solution as a fuel. In example videos provided by Sony, a small fan is powered by the cell with a glucose-based sports drink. Another example shows four of the cells connected in series to deliver enough power to operate a Walkman music player. Sony's image was seriously hurt last year when the company issued a massive recall of lithium-ion cells.
Sugar is naturally occurring, making the technology the basis for an ecologically friendly energy source. Many electronics companies are currently researching technologies that could replace the dominant lithium-ion cells as a clean power source for portable electronics.
Source:
Yahoo (Infoworld)