U.K. engineers have created a fuel cell that uses bacteria to break down the liquid waste to generate electricity, making it possible to plug in a mobile phone to charge up its battery. The device is currently slightly larger than a car battery, but the researchers believe in time they will be able to make smaller and more portable versions.

 

The researchers, whose findings are published in the Royal Society of Chemistry journal, Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, grew bacteria on specially made carbon fiber anodes that were inserted inside ceramic cylinders to create a battery-like circuit. When urine was passed through the cylinders, the bacteria broke down the sugar and other chemicals it contained to produce electrons, building up a small electrical charge inside the fuel cell. This was then passed on to a capacitor, which stored the electrical power.

 

Currently, the amount of electricity produced is relatively small – enough to make one call on the mobile phone. The researchers said it cost them around $1.51 to produce a functioning fuel cell, so such devices could provide a new cheap form of generating power.

 

These scientists believe the technology could be installed into bathrooms to help power domestic devices such as showers, lighting and razors and have been pursuing a number of different applications. It is also hoped that this technology could also be used in remote regions of the developing world.