last updated 31st August 05
By 4ecotips

One insect can create up to 1.5volts

Household pests such as mosquitoes and cockroaches could be used to power hydrogen fuel cells, according to a group of university research student at Feati University in the Philippines. They have invented a biological fuel cell that uses enzymes taken from insects to convert biochemical energy into electricity.

Under a team led by Frisco Lopez, the students found that common household pests contain the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which can be used as effective catalysts in fuel cells.

The method also cuts costs substantially, since it removes the need for costly metals as catalysts, relying instead on natural, biological sources.

One insect can reportedly produce between 0.5 and 1.25 volts per bial, but the group had the most success with cockroaches, which apparently contribute the highest amperage of the lot.