Tiny algae could produce renewable energy with negative carbon dioxide emissions

A new study points to an unlikely potential source of renewable energy in the form of algae.

Algae are photosynthetic, meaning they use sunlight, water, and carbon to produce oxygen and energy. If scientists can harness this process, it would mean a new energy source that could also remove carbon dioxide.

Scientists from the Optical-Bio Microsystems Lab at Concordia University may have recently accomplished just that.

The model is a microphotosynthetic energy cell (µPSC) consisting of two cells. One is the anode and the other is the cathode, each measuring 2 centimeters by 2 centimeters and 4 millimeters thick, separated by a specially designed membrane.

The algae are suspended in solution in the anode chamber. When they begin to photosynthesize, the released electrons are captured by microelectrodes running along both sides of the membrane. The microelectrodes conduct the electrons, generating a current.

“Photosynthesis produces oxygen and electrons. Our model captures electrons, which allows us to produce electricity,” said Kirankumar Kuruvinashetti, the study’s first author, who described the discovery in statement.