Scientists found a power source with negative carbon emissions

The primary goal that has driven scientists for decades, as mentioned in the news content, is the discovery of a clean power source. This has led researchers to explore various avenues, including fusion power and other carbon-neutral power solutions. The recent development of a carbon-negative power source using algae showcases the ongoing efforts to achieve this goal.

The new carbon-negative power source discussed in the article is a renewable energy system that utilizes algae. The process essentially hijacks photosynthesis, the natural process by which plants convert carbon dioxide into food. The researchers responsible for this discovery were able to extract energy from the algae by suspending it in a two-millimeter solution within an anode and a cathode chamber, separated by a honeycomb-shaped proton exchange membrane. This power source is considered carbon-negative because it only produces water as a byproduct, and the process begins with the intake of carbon dioxide. The system captures the electrons that algae create during photosynthesis and uses them to generate electricity. While the technology is still in its early stages, having only achieved a maximum terminal voltage of 1.0V from a single micro photosynthetic power cell, scientists believe that with research and development, this algae-based power source could potentially be scaled up to power entire cities and significantly reduce carbon emissions.