Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) recently announced a groundbreaking method for using biological viruses to create lithium-ion batteries. These batteries can deliver power three times greater than conventional products.
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Lithium-ion Battery (Photo: sony.net) |
Three MIT experts, Angela Belcher, Paula Hammond, and Yet-Ming Chiang, along with their team of eight collaborators, published their research findings in the American journal Science. The first virus-based batteries are only as small as a grain of rice, making them suitable for integration into hearing aids. If produced in the size of conventional batteries, they could potentially power cars instead of gasoline.
Through genetic mutation techniques, the scientists have enabled various viruses to coat themselves with a layer of cobalt oxide molecules and tiny gold particles, then enter super-small nano-tubes to become the positive electrodes of the battery. Each time the gene is altered, the viruses replicate millions of times. Each nano-tube is about 6 nanometers (6 billionths of a meter) wide and 880 nanometers long. These nano-tubes can be manufactured under normal temperature and pressure conditions, completely eliminating the need for expensive equipment to create an artificial environment inside the battery. The key to this achievement is that the “particles” of cobalt oxide and gold are transported and positioned precisely where they are needed.
However, this achievement also faces several challenges. Robert Turner, a scientist from the United States, stated: “I have witnessed a mobile phone battery explosion. And I know how genetically modified viruses can survive in harsh environments. It’s hard to imagine having a multitude of viruses in every household electronic device.”
There are also some more optimistic viewpoints, suggesting that the powerful energy sources derived “from this epidemic” “must be thoroughly tested before being applied in everyday life.” At that point, its applications could be vast, ranging from small entertainment devices like mobile phones and personal music players to laptops. “Research like this is commendable, but it will take a considerable amount of time to be applied in real life. In the meantime, they will establish standards and measures to ensure user safety,” said Nate Strokes, a consultant at Abacus Computer.
Hung Hai
