The Monash University researchers discovered an enzyme called ‘’Huc’’that can turn a tiny amount of hydrogen into an electrical current. The research has been published in the journal Nature. According to the scientists, soil bacteria have an enzyme that can transform air into electricity. Additionally, they suggest that the enzyme could become a renewable energy source for small devices.
Meanwhile, the research is in its very early stages. It has the potential to be a low-cost power source for small objects. Rhys Grinter, co-lead researcher said, “We’ve shown that when we isolate [Huc] in the lab we can put that into an electrical circuit and it produces electricity,”
There is a low level of energy in the air- just 0.00005 per cent.
Grinter said that only small devices could be powered this way, as there is a low level of energy in the air- just 0.00005 per cent. Meanwhile, larger objects need high energy to make more power. He adds, “In something like a fuel cell it could potentially produce enough power to power a wristwatch or a smartphone.”
Moreover, hydrogen energy experts believe powering small devices is ‘big research’. Rober Willows, Macquarie University, said that the researcher had made a significant finding in getting an enzyme to create electricity with hydrogen.
Bacteria that make hydrogen are too sensitive to oxygen
Willows said,”That’s really big research. “They are also proposing using it to generate electricity from air.” That’s a very long bow to draw.’’ Also, he points out the same issue of not enough hydrogen being present in the air. Although, he appreciates the researchers for generating electricity in the presence of oxygen. Which he believes is not usual. As bacteria that make hydrogen are too sensitive to oxygen.
Director of future lower-energy electronics technologies at Monash University, Michael Fuhrer said, “It’s a first step and it sounds exciting.”
