Sony `bio battery` shown off
Baku, December 20 (AZERTAC). Sony has announced the creation of a battery capable of generating electricity from a novel source: paper.
Described as a `bio battery` and unveiled at the Eco-Products 2011 event in Tokyo this weekend, the Japanese company`s creation works by introducing the enzyme cellulase into a store of cellulose-rich paper. Drawing in oxygen and glucose, the enzyme decomposes the paper, producing enough energy to run a small fan.
While similar enzyme-based glucose batteries have been demonstrated, including a 50mW prototype unveiled by Sony back in 2007, these typically run from sugar-rich liquids such as fruit juices. Sony`s latest version, however, requires little more than paper of the sort that millions of households across the world throw out every day.
According to Sony`s presentation, the `bio battery` is capable of digesting and generating energy from most forms of waste paper, including newspaper and cardboard considered too low quality to be recycled in a traditional manner.
The technology has some way to go until it will be powering the homes of the future, however: in Sony`s demonstration at the event, a prototype `bio battery` powered by paper was able to generate justa bout enough electricity to run a small fan.
Sony also used the Eco-Products 2011 event to showcase a form of `bio-battery` which takes the form of a greetings card. `Feed` the paper-thin battery with fruit juice, the company explained, and the melody plays - providing a solution for powering ultra-thin and light-weight devices.
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