The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Mouldy old dough could power mobile phones
Science: Fungus so powerful it can recharge batteries
Mouldy bread might be the most electrifying food in your cupboard, after Dundee scientists discovered mould could be used in the production of rechargeable batteries.
Researchers at Dundee University discovered that the fungus Neurospora crassa, which turns the bread mouldy, can be manipulated to produce electrochemical properties.
The scientists found that combining the fungus with urea and manganese chloride and then subjecting it to intense heat resulted in a “biomineralised” byproduct which could be used in the production of lithium-ion batteries and superconductors.
After extensive testing, the carbonised “fungal biomass” was found to keep up to 90% of its ability to retain charge, proving itself as an ideal ingredient for powering your smart-phone or tablet.
The head of the study at the university, Professor Geoffrey Gadd, said that his team were “surprised” that the experiment performed as well as it did.
He said: “The electrochemical properties of the carbonised fungal biomass-mineral composite were tested in a super-capacitor and a lithium-ion battery, and the composite was found to have excellent electrochemical properties.
“We were surprised that the prepared biomass-manganese oxide composite performed so well.”
The study was one of the first of its kind and researchers said it highlights the great potential of fungus being used in technological innovations.