Converting Waste To Electricity and Added Value compounds

Researcher:
Dr. Omer Yehezkeli | Biotechnology and Food Engineering

The Technology

Conversion of biomass to electric power is an attractive strategy for the generation of green and efficient energy.  As Cellulose is one of the most abound polymers on earth, ~70% of the plant biomass is cellulose, which makes him an ideal candidate as a biomass source.

Cellulose biomass is converted into glucose under environmentally friendly conditions by purified cellulase complexes or whole-cell bacteria. The researcher developed electrochemical cells for utilization of the obtained glucose for power generation by a photo-electrochemical cell (PEC). PEC utilize a light source onto a semiconductor to produce electrical energy.

The innovation integrates photo(bio)electrochemical methodologies, and enzymatic or bacteria hydrolysis for light-induced energy generation and solid waste treatment.

Advantages

  • Use of cellulose to produce energy.
  • Reduce biomass waste.
  • Eliminate competing reactions (water oxidation).
  • Allows integration with anaerobic bacteria.

Applications and Opportunities

  • Energy production using biomass waste
arrow Business Development Contacts
Motti Koren
Director of Business Development, Life Sciences