Asger Risom
A new design inspired by human metabolism could replace lithium and cobalt.
A new design inspired by human metabolism could replace lithium and cobalt.
Inspired by the human body
Researchers have created a prototype battery that mimics how our bodies turn food into energy.
A new approach to energy
The project was developed at Binghamton University in the United States, where scientists looked to biological processes for cleaner energy storage.
How it works
The system uses riboflavin — better known as vitamin B2 — and glucose, the same sugar that fuels our cells, to generate electrical energy.
A chemical mimic
In the body, riboflavin helps move electrons as glucose breaks down. The battery reproduces that same process to create a steady current.
No heavy metals
Instead of lithium or cobalt, the design relies on carbon electrodes and a liquid solution with glucose and riboflavin as the catalyst.
Renewable and nontoxic
Both molecules are abundant in nature and safe, offering a way to avoid toxic or scarce materials.
Early but promising
Although still experimental, the prototype performs similarly to conventional batteries in initial tests.
Breaking the mining cycle
If scaled, this technology could cut dependence on extractive mining and reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.
Cleaner production
By removing heavy metals, the system avoids hazardous waste and lowers pollution during manufacturing.
A new direction
Researchers see this as part of a broader push toward bio-inspired technology that works with nature instead of against it.
The future of energy
A battery made from vitamins and sugar might sound futuristic, but it could help power a cleaner, more sustainable world.
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, which may have used AI in the preparation
