Researchers at Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, have unveiled a biodegradable fungal battery that is both functional and eco-friendly. This innovation opens new possibilities for sustainable energy storage and use in design disciplines such as architecture, interior design, and product design, where sustainability and material circularity are increasingly essential.

Harnessing the Power of Fungi
The battery relies on two types of fungi: Trametes versicolor (commonly known as turkey tail) and Ganoderma applanatum. These fungi are cultivated to produce conductive materials suitable for use in batteries. Trametes versicolor creates a film that serves as a biological conductor, while Ganoderma applanatum produces a foam-like structure for the battery’s electrodes. This dual-fungal system ensures that the materials are both biologically derived and fully compostable.

A Breakthrough in 3D Printing
Using advanced 3D printing technology, the researchers developed a process to create the fungal battery’s components. By tailoring the structure of the fungi at a micro-level, the team achieved an optimal balance of conductivity and durability. This method allows for the precise fabrication of battery components, reducing material waste and enabling scalability.

Dr. Gustav Nyström, head of Empa’s cellulose and wood materials laboratory, emphasised the importance of this innovation: “Our goal is to develop batteries that are not only biodegradable but also capable of being produced locally and customised via 3D printing.”

Applications in Design and Sustainability
While the fungal battery currently generates low power output suitable for sensors and temperature monitoring, its potential for integration into sustainable design is immense. For interior designers and architects, such a battery could power small-scale sensors for smart building systems. For product designers, the biodegradable nature of these batteries aligns with circular economy principles, making them ideal for use in short-lifespan products or disposable packaging.

On-Site Activation and Minimal Waste
The fungal batteries are designed for on-site activation, further reducing the environmental footprint associated with energy storage. By incorporating this technology into projects where sustainability is a priority, designers can contribute to reducing e-waste and promoting material circularity.

Future Prospects
Empa’s researchers aim to enhance the energy efficiency and longevity of the fungal batteries. Their long-term vision is to create a sustainable alternative to conventional batteries that are both eco-friendly and versatile, particularly for industries prioritising biodegradable and recyclable materials.

This innovative technology could inspire new approaches to material use and energy storage in disciplines ranging from architecture to product design. By aligning energy solutions with the principles of sustainability, the fungal battery showcases the potential for biological systems to revolutionise the way we think about materials and energy.

Source: EngineersOnline.nl
Photo: Empa