Scientists harness the power of pee (Urine Powered Batteries)

IOP.Org News ^ | August 15, 2005

[PJ-Comix]

Physicists in Singapore have succeeded in creating the first paper battery that generates electricity from urine. This new battery will be the perfect power source for cheap, disposable healthcare test-kits for diseases such as diabetes. This research is published today in the Institute of Physics’ Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering.

Scientists in research groups around the world are trying to design ever smaller “biochips” that can test for a variety of diseases at once, give instant results, and, crucially, can be mass produced cheaply. But until now, no one has been able to solve the problem of finding a power source as small and as cheap to fabricate as the detection technology itself.

Led by Dr Ki Bang Lee, a research team at Singapore’s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) have developed a paper battery that is small, cheap to fabricate, and which ingeniously uses the bio-fluid being tested (e.g. urine) as the power source for the device doing the testing.

The chemical composition of urine is widely used as a way of testing for tell-tale signs of various diseases and also as an indicator of a person’s general state of health. The concentration of glucose in urine is a useful diagnostic tool for diabetics. The lead researcher, Dr Lee, envisions a world where people will easily be able to monitor their health at home using disposable test-kits that don’t need lithium batteries or external power sources.

Dr. Lee said: “We are striving to develop cheap, disposable credit card-sized biochips for disease detection. Our battery can be easily integrated into such devices, supplying electricity upon contact with biofluids such as urine.”

The battery unit is made from a layer of paper that is steeped in copper chloride (CuCl) and sandwiched between strips of magnesium and copper. This “sandwich” is then held in place by being laminated, which involves passing the battery unit between a pair of transparent plastic films through a heating roller at 120ºC. The final product has dimensions of 60 mm x 30 mm, and a thickness of just 1 mm (a little bit smaller than a credit card).

Writing in the Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, Lee describes how the battery was created and quantifies its performance. Using 0.2 ml of urine, they generated a voltage of around 1.5 V with a corresponding maximum power of 1.5 mW. They also found that the battery performances (such as voltage, power or duration) may be designed or adjusted by changing the geometry or materials used.

“Our urine-activated battery would be integrated into biochip systems for healthcare diagnostic applications,” says Lee. He envisions a world where people will easily be able to monitor their health at home, seeking medical attention only when necessary. “These fully-integrated biochip systems have a huge market potential,” adds Lee.

[PJ-Comix]

After drinking a couple of 6-packs of beer I bet I could supply enough "power fluid" to run a flashlight for a week. BTW, I note that this website is "IOP" and that the research scientist is named Bang Lee.

[cripplecreek]

Bang Lee sounds like a real whiz.

[trubluolyguy]

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Conspiracy Guy]

I could power a fast attack sub on weekend mornings.

[coloradan]

The battery unit is made from a layer of paper that is steeped in copper chloride (CuCl) and sandwiched between strips of magnesium and copper.

The power isn't being supplied by pee, but rather by the electromotive potential difference between magnesium and copper. It takes a lot of energy to make magnesium metal from ore, and this is where the power comes from. (Consider the energy released when magnesium burns.)

[theDentist]

Then men with Prostate problems are batteries!

[theDentist]

Long-term batteries!!

[Uncle Miltie]

Excuse me, gotta go.....

[PJ-Comix]

The power isn't being supplied by pee, but rather by the electromotive potential difference between magnesium and copper.

Then why this quote in the article:

Physicists in Singapore have succeeded in creating the first paper battery that generates electricity from urine.

[Dallas59]

[Calvin Locke]

Excuse me, gotta go.....>

That's "Excuse me, gotta go.....recharge my computer's batteries...."

[Darkwolf377]

I'll comment on this once I come back from filling up the television.

[Darkwolf377]

I'll comment on this once I come back from filling up the television.

[doug from upland]

Hmmmm. Pee in batteries. Pee in soldiers' meals. When is pee going to run our cars?

[laceybrookesdad]

Pee Pee........Don't come down the hallway!.....(8~b).....OK

[atomicpossum]

This would be great for me on car trips. I could provide enough power to take my electric car to Kansas City and never have to hit a rest stop.

[George Smiley]

When is pee going to run our cars?

Wrong number. Think 2.

[Lokibob]

http://www.homedefenseproducts.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/32/products_id/150

 

What is wrong with this technology already on the market:

 

Forever Light Water Activated Emergency Flashlight

$35.00

Be prepared for survival emergencies without yearly replacement of costly batteries! The Forever Light® will allow you to be ready for any emergency when light is needed. It’s always ready for action just add almost any water based solution, including sea water, soda, coffee, urine, etc. To activate the special built-in battery which has a 25 year dry storage life without losing battery power. Bright focused beam provides light for signaling, repairs or map reading. Stay put pedestal helps position and direct light source. Can be stored in extreme temperatures almost anywhere–car trunk, survival kits, aircraft, boats, etc. With out any life degradation. Water-activated battery is not replaceable; one time use only. Provides 5 hours continuous or 12 hours of intermittent use. Measures 7" x 2"

[Fiddlstix]

Ah Ha! I see you're back after hiding out all summer!
(Undoubtedly working on a conspiracy of some kind)

[steel_resolve]

Pee-ping!