The new battery, which is completely biodegradable, could eventually replace lithium ion batteries in many portable electronic applications, including computers. The findings were described today at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Chicago.

This study shows that renewable fuels can be directly employed in batteries at room temperature to lead to more energy-efficient battery technology than metal-based approaches.
It demonstrates that by bridging biology and chemistry, we can build a better battery that's also cleaner for the environment. Study leader Shelley Minteer, Ph.D.

A few other researchers also have developed fuel cell batteries that run on sugar, but Minteer claims that her version is the longest-lasting and most powerful of its type to date. If the battery continues to show promise during further testing and refinement, it could be ready for commercialization in three to five years, she estimates.

Consumers aren't the only ones who stand to benefit from this new technology. The military is interested in using the sugar battery to charge portable electronic equipment on the battlefield and in emergency situations where access to electricity is limited. These devices include remote sensors for detecting biological and chemical weapons. Devices could be instantly recharged by adding virtually any convenient sugar source, including plant sap, Minteer said.

Like other fuel cells, the sugar battery contains enzymes that convert fuel - in this case, sugar - into electricity, leaving behind water as a main byproduct. But unlike other fuel cells, all of the materials used to build the sugar battery are biodegradable.

So far, Minteer has run the batteries on glucose, flat sodas, sweetened drink mixes and tree sap, with promising results. She also tested carbonated beverages, but carbonation appears to weaken the fuel cell.

Via BoingBoing

Saint Louis University Press Release

Thankfully accessory manufacturers see the problem too and are releasing various rechargeable Wii remote batteries and chargers. The most practical ones are dual remote charging stations like Nyko’s Wii Charge Station and Joytech’s Wii Power Station that let you recharge without taking out the batteries. They come with two batteries that form the bottom half of the controller and the battery itself. These replace the original Wii battery cover and fit into the battery slot. Like a wireless phone, the remotes are charged simply by being placed into the charging station. Nyko and Joytech’s stations come with two slots so two remotes can be charged at a time. Also if you prefer the single player experience, Brando is producing a single nunchuck-remote holder and charging station.

If you don’t mind the inconvenience of taking the batteries out to charge, conventional rechargeable batteries work with the Wii also and thankfully there’s new innovations going on there. Sanyo’s eneloop and Rayovac’s Hybridrechargeable batteries have been out for a few months and getting positive reviews. Both use advanced NiMH technology to last longer than regular rechargeables and they work right out of the box. Lastly, the USBCELL USB rechargeable batteries that we’ve heard so much about work great for the Wii since it has a USB port on it. It will only let you charge one at a time though since two won’t fit in the Wii, but it’s still a convenient (and space saving) alternative.

For more on batteries, check out our battery guide from the holidays.

Via: Engadget