The algae, Cladophora, has long been considered a nuisance in many communities, notably along the Great Lakes coastlines, where large amounts of rotting algae have been fouling the shorelines. Recent developments in alternative energy research, however, may change people’s perception of this organism.

It appears that scientists from the University of Uppsala, Sweden’s premier learning establishment, have discovered that this algae synthesizes a peculiar kind of cellulose that can be coated with polymer-based conductors – producing, in essence, a non-metallic, non-toxic battery. Nick Chambers of gas2.org reports that the initial tests of this “battery” proved that, properly-optimized, it can store as much energy as the conventional lithium-ion batteries we now commonly use.

Should the subsequent tests prove this initial assessment to be correct, algae-based batteries will have the potential to revolutionize the energy storage industry. When this happens, I’m sure Cladophora will cease to be a nuisance to residents in the Great Lakes coastal areas.

Read the full article at: gas2.org

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