Innovative Artificial Plants Could Improve Indoor Air Quality and Generate Power.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Americans typically spend about 90% of their time indoors, making the quality of indoor air crucial for health and well-being. However, most air purification systems are often costly, bulky, and require regular cleaning or filter changes to operate effectively.
At Binghamton University, Professor Seokheun “Sean” Choi and PhD student Maryam Rezaie are transforming their research on bacteria-powered biobatteries into a novel concept: artificial plants that can absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and generate a small amount of power. These artificial plants use indoor light to perform photosynthesis, achieving a remarkable 90% reduction in carbon dioxide levels—significantly more than the 10% reduction offered by natural plants.
Their findings, which receive partial support from the Office of Naval Research, are detailed in a recent paper published in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems.
“After experiencing COVID-19, we understand how important indoor air quality is,” said Choi, a member of the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “Many indoor materials, like carpets and building supplies, can release harmful toxins. Our breathing contributes to increased carbon dioxide levels, along with emissions from cooking and outdoor air infiltration.”
Choi and Rezaie started by creating an artificial leaf using five biological solar cells and photosynthetic bacteria. What began as an experiment quickly revealed its broader potential. They built a prototype plant with five leaves and tested its ability to capture carbon dioxide and generate oxygen.
While the plant produces around 140 microwatts of power as a secondary benefit, Choi aims to enhance the technology to achieve a minimum output of over 1 milliwatt. He also plans to integrate an energy storage system, such as lithium-ion batteries or supercapacitors.
“I want to harness this electricity to charge a cell phone or serve other practical needs,” he explained.
Future improvements may include using different bacteria species for better longevity and developing systems to reduce maintenance, such as automated water and nutrient delivery.
“With some fine-tuning, these artificial plants could become common in households,” Choi said. “The advantages of this idea are clear.”
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