A prototype for a light-based battery has been introduced by a team of Indian researchers in the continuing exploration of scientists towards sustainability through light energy.
The "photo battery" can generate electricity using either solar or artificial light, with titanium nitride for the anode.
Currently, gadgets and other devices are using lithium ions for the batteries. This component takes longer to charge and is prone to overheating and fire when damaged. Using titanium nitride photoanode, Musthafa Ottakam Thotiyl and colleagues believe that these problems will be addressed.
Using normal indoor lighting, the prototype discharged electric current and recharged within 30 seconds without an external power source. It worked for more than 100 cycles and could power a light emitting diode (LED), according to the ACS' The Journal of Physical Chemistry C.
The existing technology isn't ready for prime time yet. If the technology improves, however, you could see more gadgets that not only don't have to be plugged in, but won't ignite if you drop them a certain way, Engadget reports.
The study is funded by the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development and the Department of Science and Technology of India.
