Sustainable paper batteries. Just add bacteria...and water.

A new battery made of paper and fueled by bacteria could be the ultimate sustainable solution for powering small electronic devices. Researchers who presented the new battery at the American Chemical Society meeting in Boston say it is low-cost and completely biodegradable.

As tiny sensors and electronic gadgets become ubiquitous, there is a growing demand for small batteries to power them. This means immense piles of batteries, many containing toxic chemicals, going to landfills.

Paper-based batteries have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional batteries. But such devices made so far have not been powerful enough for practical use. Plus, they have been difficult to make and their biodegradability has been questionable.

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